Technology in the Classroom

The 21st century bears witness to the growth and advancement of the use of technology in everyday life. Homes are filled with electronic tools and appliances, whether in the kitchen, living room or bedroom. In fact, children as young as 2 years old are exposed to high-tech gadgets and toys, such as Ipads and electronic readers. Some parents are worried that their children spend a lot of time on these gadgets that they hardly get to do any physical activity or enjoy the outdoors. With these in mind, it is but appropriate that we talk about the advantages and disadvantages of using modern technology in the classroom, particularly with regard to the advancement of the English language.

In the classroom, my students are given opportunities to use technology when reflecting. They are able to keep an online portfolio through an application in the Ipad called Seesaw. Using this app, they can take photos of their work and record videos of their experiences. They get to comment on their outputs, as well as those of their classmates. Their parents are also able to give them feedback by accessing and commenting on their portfolio. It allows the children to keep a record and at the same time save on paper. We are fortunate that school has a set of Ipads for the children to use.

Moreover, as a teacher, I make use of technology to engage my students in learning. I plan and schedule Skype interviews so that they can gather information by talking to specialists from abroad. Through this activity, the children get to practice conversing in English, as well as discover different cultures. This strengthens communication skills and the sharing of information. The school provides educational applications that support the unit that the class is inquiring on. For instance, we have apps that foster map reading skills, knowledge of the continents and landforms, even phonemic awareness and spelling patterns. We also visit sites like Storyline Online to listen to people read stories. It gives the children access to a range of books for them to enjoy.

There are numerous ways to integrate technology into teaching and learning. However, there are a few things that we need to keep in mind. The children must have a chance to work on their penmanship or handwriting skills. This can be done when they write using the conventional pen and paper. Furthermore, learning experiences that are hands-on, such as experiments and craft activities, have a greater impact on the children. Studies show that young ones learn better when they get to use their different senses. These technological advancements are also subject to glitches and availability. In our school, you have to book the Ipads before using them.

I believe that what is important is to achieve the balance when using technology to support education. We know that these tools are available and children are capable of using them. It is just a matter of not overdoing it and providing a variety of activities for the children to explore and learn.