Proper Integration Allows for Success

Technology has always been a controversial topic. Oftentimes, there have been suggestions that teachers would soon be out of their job as technology took over (Abbott 2000). However, there still continues to be employment for teachers, as well as any job that might incorporate technology. In fact, technology is not used as a method in the classroom but rather as a medium (Davison, C).

Through the research process many disadvantages and advantages to technology in the classroom were addressed. Although the pros certainly outweigh the cons and the integration of technology as well as new ideas and pedagogies into the classroom is essential, the instructional process needs to be structured. It has been suggested that the majority of teachers lack the sufficient technological knowledge, which is due to their lack of training (Hew & Brush, 2007). This in turns leads to both inadequate instruction and a lack of inclusion. Like any course, a teacher must be knowledgeable on their subject in order to promote passion, enthusiasm and learning. Therefore, it is important that teachers have the right support (Gundy, 2012). Arguably the most common disadvantage mentioned is the distraction aspect. However, there is always distraction in the classroom whether from technology, outside, the weather, other students, lack of interest etc.

Most importantly, technology can fulfill many roles in regards to accessibility and disability. As Young (2014) states, technology helps students learn how to actually finish their task and perhaps understand and overcome an area of difficulty. For students with disabilities, technology can level the playing field and provide a more productive work environment. Furthermore, not only do the students with disabilities have access to computers/ technology but in Ontario, 99 percent of elementary and secondary school students had access to computers in the schools (Chen, Gallagher-Mackay, Kidder, 2014).

On the teacher side of technology, which is also an important area to explore as teacher candidates, technology can promote sharing between teachers, which promotes collaboration (Morgan, 2014). It also can be used as an organizational tool and a way to access numerous resources.

The Flipped Classroom idea is an interesting development in the classroom. It basically allows students to emerge from the traditional classroom, as lectures are reachable online for students. This way the students can access the information at their own pace. This type of classroom has improved failure rates in the United States (Morgan, 2014).

Other advantages of technology in the classroom include its affect on individualized learning as it provides the teacher with an opportunity to acknowledge student’s different levels of skills (Miller, 2013). Another advantage is its affect on foreign language learning. There are numerous resources available on the internet that allow students to access authentic texts as well as enter different learning environments (Warschauer & Healey, 1998).

Everyday we are immersed in technology whether we know it or not. Technology as a medium in the classroom can provide students with lifelong learning opportunities in order to succeed, which is an important goal in the education system. Like any other subject or pedagogy, technology needs to be approached with the proper skill set and learning goals in mind in order for it to thrive in the classroom. When this is integrated properly, the students, the teachers and their parents succeed.

Resources

Abbott, Chris. (2000). ICT: Changing Education. Taylor & Francis. Retrieved 31 October 2017, from http://www.myilibrary.com?ID=7347

Chen, B., Gallagher-Mackay, K. & Kidder, A. (2014). Digital learning in Ontario Schools: The ‘new normal’. People for Education. Retrieved from http://www.peopleforeducation.ca /wp-content/uploads/2014/03/digital-learning-2014-WEB.pdf

Davison, C. (2005). Information Technology and Innovation in Language Education. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.

Gundy, M. S. (2012). Teacher perceptions of the integration of laptop computers in their high school biology classrooms (Doctoral dissertation). Ottawa: Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved from https://ruor-uottawa-ca.proxy.bib.uottawa.ca/handle/10393/30146

Hew, K. F., & Brush, T. (2006). Integrating technology into K-12 teaching and learning: Current knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research. Educational Technology Research and Development, 55(3), 223-252.

Morgan, H. (2014). Flip your classroom to increase academic achievement. Childhood Education, 90, p. 239.

Warshauer M., & Healey, D. (1998). Computers and language learning: an overview. Lang. Teach. 31, 57-71.

Young, Gabrielle. (2014). Assistive Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities. LD@school. Retrieved from https://ldatschool.ca/assistive-technology/

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