Debating the Use of Technology in Schools

I recently reviewed an article ” What We’re Getting Wrong About the Technology in Schools Debate,” by Keith Heggert. (https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/what-were-getting-wrong-about-technology-schools-debate-0). The article itself was very eye-opening as it explored the use of technology within classrooms and its role. After reviewing this article I did quite a bit of reflecting to form my own opinion on the use of technology in classrooms. This has been and will continue to be a great debate inside the educational community. Heggert within his article asked 5 rhetorical questions that I would like to answer below.

Is there some truth in Dr. Vallance’s stance that there was no place for laptops in schools?

I believe that if this technology is being misused that yes it may cause some harm or being deemed of not having a place in school. For example if children are misusing their laptops to just google the answers instead of doing the work themselves. I think that technology should be monitored and used properly to ensure that it is adding value to the students educational experience.

What is the point of the post?

The point of the authors post is to make us aware of what is going on both inside and outside the classroom. Truth is as educators we will be confronted with various technological advances throughout our careers and we have to adapt accordingly. We must use such advances to our advantage and create a positive environment for our students that helps further their education and embraces technology.

In what way should we use technology in schools?

Technology should be used in classrooms as a tool to enhance the learning experience. Truth is technology opens the doors to many fun and exciting ways to teach and reinforce materials in the classroom. When used correctly it can add a great visual element such as through a video, slide show, or even an interactive element.

If technology has become an ever-present constant in our lives, then surely one of the most important things that schools must do is teach students how to use it effectively and meaningfully?

Students will be exposed to technology throughout their life at an early age so we can not ignore these advancements. I think that it is vital to teach students to use it safely and effectivly. It is crucal that we teach students the importance of using valuable sources and identifying their credibility.

We teach students about a whole host of things that are meant to help them be useful citizens in the future, so why wouldn’t we teach them about using technology safely and effectively?

Truth is technology is vital to our future generation therefore we must teach our students the correct and effect way to utilize its benefits. These technological skills will prove to be just as important as math or linguistical skills for this future generation in the workforce. We owe it to our students to give them the best fighting chance.

In my opinion I believe that utilizing technology in education is vital. In my house I have a 5th grader, 7th grader, and 9th grader and with all this COVID 19 social distancing going on I am impressed with how the are adjusting to online learning. Through google classroom, zoom, khan academy, and freckle my children have continued to receive various lessons and assignments. This is a great example of how technology be useful in education. Thankfully, our schools have prepared my children to be able to easily navigate these online services to continue their lessons remotely.