#8- How can technology affect the learning process?






As more technology infiltrates our classrooms and student's desks, it's crucial to evaluate the effects, both positive and negative, that it has on the learning process. I think most teachers would agree that the students that pass through the classroom doors are different from students of any other generation, primarily due to the digital age they have grown up in. While researching this question, I came across this interesting article that focuses on the effects technology has on the classroom and students.


http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html

The article highlights the following effects:
1. Change in student and teacher roles- Students take on an active role in the learning process, as opposed to a passive role in years past. Also, the teacher is no longer the "center of attention" and "dispenser" of information, but rather a facilitator. This is obvious by stepping into any 21st Century classroom. The teacher's desk is not front and center. In fact, many teachers have since departed with their bulky desks, and traded it for a slim, sleek setup that allows use of their Elmo and laptop computer. Furthermore, the new "digital age" desk is not front and center in the classroom. It tends to be set up further back in the classroom, which allows students to sit in the front of the room.
2. Increased motivation and self-esteem- Technology serves a motivator for students to focus and increase interest in a learning topic, and it also motivates students in specific subject areas such as written or compuational skills. Students become motivated by project-based learning projects that incorporate technology, and allow teachers to take on a backseat role of facilitating students.
3. Technical Skills- The more students work with software to complete classroom projects or lesson assignments, the more comfortable they become with basic and advanced technical skills. Although the current software will be outdated when they enter the workforce, the foundational skills will have been established, allowing students to build upon their exisiting skills.
4. Accomplishment of more complex tasks- Technology can provide support for students to use more higher order thinking skills, and therefore, complete more complex tasks and projects.
5. More collaboration with peers- Students take on peer tutor roles, and technology sparks discussion and peer analysis. The article didn't mention this because it is was written long before Skype and other video communication opportunities, but communication also increases among students and teachers across the world through these different software programs.
6. Increased use of outside resources- This article was interesting because it referenced telecommunication, email, and downloadeing graphics. All of these were considered "outside resources" years ago, however, students now have the world at the finger tips, so using outside resources to find needed information is just a click away.
7. Improved design skills/attention to audience- It is no secret that students complete better quality work when they know they have an authentic audience. Technology allows a plethera of opportunities for students to write for a real audience. This can be as simple as posting on a blog, or posting authentic writing samples, project videos,or other technology projects online for real audiences to read. Instead of students only seeing their work on the wall inside or outside of the classroom, students can show their work to the public; therefore, making the assignment and learning topic more genuine.

As with many discussions or writing pieces I complete about technology, I think it is always important to remember that with all of the positive effects technology is having on students, the learning process, and student achievement, it's crucial to remember that technology enhances quality instruction delivered by quality educators. Students learned 50 years ago without the technological capabilities we have today, but students today have the unique opportunity to have their education enhanced; however, technology, apps, and iPads do not comprise the curriculum.