Advantages:
I think the pros outweigh the cons for Technology in our classrooms. Like I said above I think Technology is something that keeps kids interested in our classrooms. I think children need hands on activities inside the classrooms. One topic the text hits on is authentic science, and it talks about using technology to help make science relevant to students lives (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, p. 319). One program like this is Globe Project, this is a project that has students investigate the weather, land cover, soil, and hydrology (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, p. 319). I also enjoy interactive games or simulations for my classroom. This strategy goes along with supporting science skills and concept learning, and through this you can use lessons and games to provide motivational ways to supplement your students instruction (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, p. 322). A good website example of this would be the Neo K-12 website, which I use for my students to provide games and interactive lessons.
www.neok12.com
http://www.aaas.org
Disadvantages:
One disadvantage to technology is always going to be the amount of money it could possibly cost your school. For example in BYOB schools, you may not always be able to provide all of your students with the same amount of technology. One example our book was talking about was the use of Virtual Science Labs, the text talks about how we have done studies that support hands on activities in science classrooms. Now we are trying to get our classrooms to go to more virtual labs, and this kind of contradicts itself (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, p. 319). Another problem is that not all of your teachers are properly trained in the uses of these different technologies. To implement these technologies Teachers must undergo specific training with each of them (Roblyer and Doering, and 2013, p. 326).
http://www.studymode.com/essays/Disadvantages-Of-Using-Technology-In-The-1380583.html
M6 What are the benefits of Technology in the classroom, this article discusses that:http://t.co/hxZ76qObYa #ED527UM
— Jared Meads (@JaredMeads1) November 17, 2013
You bring up a valid point about students needing hands on activities in the classroom. According to Roblyer & Doering (2013), the use of "inquiry-based approaches in the classroom" will involve all students regardless of limitations such as school funding or ability (p. 318).
ReplyDeleteRoblyer and Doering explane "The internet has become an indispensable tool for investigating important scientific questions." (page 321) If it is not cost efficient for all students to have a hand held device, then maybe the teacher can investigate the information and communicate it to the students and have them do further investigations at home or at the library.
ReplyDeleteJared, it's very interesting to read your take on this since you are already putting these things into practice with 7th and 8th graders!! I couldn't agree more about using technology to gain our students' attention. They are constantly surrounded with technology, from gaming consoles to smart phones!! We have to be aware of the role science plays in terms of global competition (Roblyer and Doering, 2013).
ReplyDeleteI agree with Danny that it is real interesting that you are able to practice this technology integration into the 7th & 8th graders. The pros definitely outweigh the cons when it comes to this use of technology. It's a great way to motivate students through games and interactive activity (Robyler & Doering, 2013, p.322).
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