Technology in the classroom ...

The use of technology in the classroom has become an increasingly important conversation for educators and parents. The debate rages on Facebook and other social media sites as “experts” all share their opinions. Parents and educators pick sides and argue fervently about access, screen time, childhood depression …

We as a society of adults need to acknowledge that the students of today are what we call digital natives - their world has never been without computers, tablets or cellphones. Our frame of reference is vastly different.

As a parent, I too would be concerned that my young child was spending too much time gazing into a digital screen, but on the flip side, I also understand that it is my responsibility to monitor my child’s gaming time on a device as well as their access to the internet, social media and age-restricted games and sites. Perhaps we should ask ourselves how strongly we feel when the device is a source of entertainment as opposed to a tool for education.

Technology in schools is more about pedagogy as it is about the use of the device itself. Where schools have simply replaced textbooks with a digital device filled with digital textbooks, I have to agree - the technology serves no purpose other than to reduce the weight of students’ backpacks.

However, when technology sits at the centre of the educator’s pedagogy as a tool for creation, curation and construction of learning and understanding, the value of technology in the classroom increases exponentially.

Benefits of using technology in an authentic learning environment:

1. Digital literacy - students learn to navigate the digital environment. Not only does a solid foundation in digital literacy keep them safe, but it teaches them how to use it to its full potential and for their benefit.

2. Special needs - access to technology in the classroom allows students to enjoy equal learning opportunities.

3. Students get to explore and create artefacts that reflect their learning and understanding that they have constructed in partnership with educators.

4. Students are prepared for their future - not our past.

Can technology be a hindrance to education? Well, it certainly is ineffective unless we:

1. Provide suitable professional development for educators so that they are not only competent users of technology but understand the importance of the pedagogy behind the technology.

2. Ensure that students are monitored closely when using devices and that they are taught and encouraged to be powerful, ethical digital citizens.

3. Use the tools technology provides to provide equal learning opportunities for students with learning difficulties.

4. Understand that technology tool for creation, curation and construction of learning and understanding - not merely a digital textbook.

While I don’t doubt that for some years still there will continue to be debate around the use of technology in the classroom, I can only hope that more and more educators and parents will come to terms with the benefits the responsible and mindful use of technology has for future generations.