The Pro’s and Con’s of Technology

in the Classroom

LRC-320 Group 10

Presentation By:Eli Besser

Crystal RiesgoChristopher Harris

Carolina Alonzo

Why is Technology Important in

a Classroom Setting?• Technology in the

classroom setting enhances the learning environment, for both the teacher and the student.

• Technology in the classroom setting also influences global and national competiveness among teachers, students, and the educational system.

http://www.thinkquest.orghttp://www.webquest.org

How is the Innovation of Technology Beneficial In a

Classroom Setting?• Technology provides immediate and current

information for both teachers and students. For example, research material will not be outdated or inaccessible.

• Technology prepares students for the innovated and rapidly change world. For example, technology has been incorporated in every level of profession. In effect, students will be prepared to utilize such technologies in their everyday lives and future professions.

• Students engagement with technology will enable student to communicate effectively through mass media. Such medias include websites, PowerPoint presentations, and emails.

Technology in the Classroom Changes Roles of Student

and Teachero Forces Students to participate in a more active way

o Teacher is no longer center of attention

-New role as facilitator-Creates a cooperative learning environment between student and teacher

Technology Increases Motivation and Self

Esteemo Different set of challenges compared with traditional classroom setting

o Because of the cultural value placed on technology, self esteem is often increased when skills are mastered

o Use of technology in the classroom is often a valuable tool for students who perform poorly in conventional situations

Too Easily Distracted by the Internet

The internet is such a vast source of information, some of which is entertaining but does not improve the education of a student.

Too many times we see children and adults alike completely distracted by websites. For example, YouTube and Facebook.

While the internet has plenty of great

sources for quality information, especially with countless e-books, it can easily distract the student and even the teacher.

What About Imagination Skills?

The overuse of technology in the classroom gives less opportunity for the individual to use his or her imagination.

There is less opportunity for

students to observe, analyse, or problem solve if an instructor is giving them everything on an overhead projector or smart board.

When a lesson is easily accessible through technology or internet use the student is not being challenged to use their own work skills.

Weigh Some Costs…

$$$

Interaction and Stimulus?

Properly trained teachers?

Technology availability can costs thousands of dollars for a school district where this technology can be considered obsolete in less then a years time.

Depending of the cognitive stages of the pupils, technology may not be the proper educational tool. At critical learning stages students need a multi-sensory approach that technology is unable to fulfill.

Although in some cases it is appropriate, unless instructors are using technology effectively, technology can become a crippling tool for students and for teachers.

Technology as an Instructional CrutchWhen Is Too Much Too Much

When is too much,

I believe quality education can be enhanced by technology; it is not defined by it. –Cuban 1998

o Teachers can become too reliant on technology to do their teaching for them.

o This can severely affect the students who need individual attention or those who have specific learning needs.

o Although a large portion of students are visual learners some still need more reinforcement then what they are shown on a screen.

Work cited Gilbert, David A. "The Importance of Technology in the Classroom." Thesis. Ed. Dr. Karen Ford. Ball State University, 2003. Ball State University. Ball State University, 2004. Web. 3 Feb. 2012. <http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/virtualpress/student/honorstheses/pdfs/ G54_2004GilbertDavidA.pdf>.  Miller, Melanie E. “The Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom A Debate by Drs. Roy Pea and Larry Cuban.” Views on Technology in Education, 2008. Web. 6 Feb. 2012. http://www.melanieevemiller.com/wpcontent/uploads/2008/11/ technologyineducation.pdf>

Singh/Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Dr Ram, and Dr. Barbara Means Education and Health Division. "Technology and Education Reform." Office of Educational Research and Improvement. U.S. Department of Education, 9 Feb. 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/contact.html>.