Nowadays, information is just one click away from our pupils. It is very easy to find facts that we need through computers and other gadgets. Pupils are said to be digital natives because they grew up with these technology. That’s why they can communicate easily with the teachers who integrate the use of technology in the classrooms. However, as we are advancing our experience and methods of teaching with the use of technology, are we really sure that there is really learning among our pupils?
Integrating technology in our instruction needs to be plan very carefully. We must make sure that we teachers really know how to use the said equipment before giving it to the pupils. We should also see to it that it supports the objectives that we want to meet at the end of the lesson. Giving specific and clear instructions to pupils will help you attain your target objective for the day. Otherwise, pupils will just explore with the said tool if they don’t understand what to do and learning will be lost. Remind them the purpose of that activity for them to clearly understand what to expect from you and the lesson that you’ve prepared. It is a very big responsibility for the teachers to really monitor each pupil while they are doing their work. Because we never know if they are still following you or they are already doing something that is not suppose to do.
Although there are challenges in dealing with technology in the classroom, it is also very advantageous in learning. There are interactive games that are appealing to pupils that they want to do it over and over again not noticing they are already practicing and requiring them to memorize spelling, math drills and the like. These make the class more alive and engaging. But we have to consider that every time our pupils use the technology, it should be within the context.
Technology may change the practice of education, but the responsibility of teachers and parents are more important for they are the one leading in using the new learning resources. Teachers remain the permanent in the high-technological classroom environment, which will continue to change with the technological upgrades.
By: Mrs. Bernadette S. Gonzaga | Teacher II | Orion Elementary School
