Maloy, et al (2010 pp. 5), in chapter 1 state that teachers have a great opportunity to use computers and technology to engage students and change the learning environment in our classrooms. If you pull a clip, a picture, or music to a child's liking they often seemed intrigued to find out whats going on. Even the simplest or even kiddish videos can pull in an older audience. They become captivated. It seems that the authors are aware of this, and realize the potential to teach through this avenue and in the end, improve the learning curve. Some schools have began to integrate technology in a large way into their schools, and have seen success, such as www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsnsBzD5h0s. There are many ways that technology could be used, explored, and tested, and most likely leading to an increase in student engagement, thus more learning. Using technology in my classroom will help draw in those extra few students that find it difficult to stay focused. The use of music, video clips, and interactivity with a smart board, computer, iPad, or a laptop, can intrigue, hook, and captivate while being presented the necessary information for learning and growth. It is a win-win situation for the students and teacher. Watch the following video to view some current classroom environments, and hopefully many more:
One problem that many have ran into when wanting to infuse technology and the classroom is resources. The authors (Maloy, et al, 2010, pp. 12-15) point this out, but did give data on the increase of technology over the past 20 years. There has been a significant increase. However, classrooms are still at a disadvantage with limited computers, iPad access, and even smart boards. My classroom is out doors, and a far distance from the school where there is no WiFi. The outdoor environment limits what can be hooked up and left out, placing a barrier with no simple solution. Indoor activities open a door to a possible computer/projector situation where instruction could be given and explained through the use of videos and YouTube clips. Teachers have to really think out what is going to give them the most "bang for their buck." Limited funding may lead to teachers not even trying, but with some time, thought, and some digging, there are ways to find funding to reach your technology integrating ideas.
In chapter 1, the authors give the statistics for how technology is being used in schools, and furthermore in the classrooms (Maloy, et al, 2010, pp. 16). They stated that "only 30% of public school students use technology to perform measurements and collect data and 39% use technology to manipulate, analyze or interpret information." They then stated that teachers are mostly using technology for low level things such as emails and printouts. It appears that even with the technology that is already available, it is not being used to its fullest capabilities. I would expect that it is simply a result of lack of training, practice, innovative ideas, and forerunners surrounding them with great results to show for their technology incorporating efforts. New ideas don't always present themselves as easy to pick up, to convert to, and it probably makes teachers hesitant to try to convert to more technology teaching methods with a fear of over working and not seeing the results, and struggling to make it work. There are many new sites and resources that have come around in the past 5 years that have really begun to open the door for technology resources for educating students, with lessons in the standards that the teachers are teaching from. As these resources are improving and more easily available, becoming simplier, its expected that a shift has begun in classrooms, and is just a matter of time until these statistics found by Maloy, et al, will increase.
Resources:
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2010). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 1st Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Minnetonka Schools, 2015. Technology Improves Student Learning in Minnetonka Schools. Retrieved January 23, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsnsBzD5h0s.
Smart Classrooms, 2015. Collaborative Classroom Technology: Naturally SMART. Retrieved January 23, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Collaborative+Classroom+Technology%3A+Naturally+SMART.
