HippoBLOGamus

There are traditionalists and then there are people who want change. In the educational system, we have administrators, teachers and parents who do not like the idea of laptops, cell phones or iPods being used in class. On the other hand, some teachers and parents feel like this is a new era and that technology should be used. I define technology as any electronic device that has Internet capabilities.

I think that having technology in the classroom would be a great idea for students because they would be using the devices they use at home, thus making a connection to something of interest with schoolwork. Additionally, society is becoming more technologically advanced, and students should be equipped and ready to take on the challenge.

What if using new technologies, like cell phones or iPods, interferes with students’ learning?

Coming from a student’s perspective, I enjoy using my laptop and iPod in class. It enhances the lesson and also makes the class interesting.  Some say technology can be a distraction. Some feel like the students could abuse the opportunity by logging on to other websites or email during class. However, if administrators and educators were to block these unauthorized sites, it could help keep the students focused on the lesson.

Having laptops, cell phones, and other technological equipment in the classroom could also create a common interest between students, educators and parents, thus fostering a better and more conducive learning environment. There are several programs out in the world today that are helping to make the switch.

Speak Up, a program created by Project Tomorrow, a client of Tricom, did a study to find that more parents than educators or administrators prefer technology in the classroom. The study also stated that some parents want to be in control of their child’s education and know the progress of how they are performing in the classroom. Therefore, using laptops, iPods, and cell phones could keep parents in the loop when it comes to their child’s education.

New technologies, like new ideas in the classroom, are introduced each and every day.  Why not have them collaborate?

For more information on the Speak Up project visit: http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/speakup_congress.html

For further reading:

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/06/15/35mm-science.h30.html?tkn=QXVFn44K4UpjcfwVh2AYiL%2FLzt9uxL3FdMhf&cmp=clp-edweek

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