The internet has really taken its importance in the lives of everyone today around the planet. This is obvious as you see children go straight to the computer to play games or to check their Facebook accounts. The same can also be observed even in adults. This is how it is to live now in the internet age.
But with all the investment in the latest technology, does it really contribute to better performance in school? If not, its effectiveness can be put into question. When test scores remain the same and students seem to find difficulty comprehending lessons, then, there must be something wrong with how technology is supposed to help improve education.
A double innovation is required when a teacher incorporates technology into the classroom. Teachers should first be able to know how to use the equipment. From there, he/she can come up with a decision if it will support the class objectives and curriculum.
This could be challenging considering the huge possibilities one can use with the internet. Making it as simple as possible when you try to incorporate in into your activity is helpful. For example, if you want to have a group project, you can assign the students a topic to research on and create a simple report using images and a simple slide show to present what they have come up with. This is only one way to do this and as the teacher becomes more familiar with a specific equipment, he/she can create more related activities.
Technology is also more beneficial for practice. Exercises in English, Math, and Science abound in the internet. The teacher can ask students to do the exercises for review purposes and mastery.
To maximize the students’ time in technology, you can do these simple steps:
1. Always look for connections between the technology and the lesson.
2. Discuss with your students how they benefit from technology when they do their activities and homework. Adjust your utilization of technology when necessary.
3. Use the right tools and applications conducive to your subject.
Teachers will remain in the classroom no matter how technologically advanced things become. Make sure, as an educator that you can cope up with what technology can offer.
References:
Cuban, Larry (2001). Oversold and Underused: Computers in the Classroom. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. p. 82. ISBN 978-0-674-00602-7. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
Kembel, George (April 8, 2010). The Classroom In 2020. Forbes.com. Forbes. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
Murdock, Everett (2007). History, the History of Computers, and the History of Computers in Education. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
By: MARIA MAY S. FORIO | MT-I | BEPZ Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan
