Technology in the Classroom

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Technology in the Classroom
Potential and Pitfalls
Crystal Marrs ENG 213 25 March 2003
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Overview
As schools are steadily increasing their access
to new technologies" (O'Neil), it is important to
recognize that there are various ways in which
both students and teachers can use technology
effectively in the classroom. Overall, the
positive influences, the potential, far
outweigh the drawbacks, or the pitfalls.
Work Cited
3
The Schools

• Schools access to multitudes of technology is
  constantly increasing
• It is approximated that U.S. schools have about
  5.8 million computers for instruction (ONeil)
• 35 have access to some form of computer network
  (ONeil)
• Nearly all have TVs and VCRs (ONeil)

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The Teachers

• OTA reports that most teachers are using
  technologies in traditional ways
• Presentation of Information , Basic Skills
  Practice at the elementary and middle school
  levels, Word Processing and related generic
  programs (ONeil)
• Other practices include
• Communication with colleagues, Scanning for
  material for lessons, Internet resources for
  lesson plans (example), Conducting forums online
  (example)
• And Many More . . . Additional Examples

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Opportunities

• Teachers have many opportunities to learn how to
  use the technology available to them examples
• Technology Workforce Coalition offers the
  advantages of technology training, stating that
  this training can Significantly increase
  quality, professionalism, and career
  opportunities within teaching.
• Technology Plan Grant Programs have steadily
  increased for the state of Indiana since 1997
  (K-12).

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The Students

• In research done by Kulik and Kulik (1991), 254
  studies were conducted between the mid 1960's and
  mid 1980's which measured students' learning
  comparing a classroom using computer-aided
  instruction with a classroom that did not
  (Softcom).
• Results showed that students that used computer
  technology learned more and learned at a quicker
  rate in the Mediated Learning Review of 1996.
• Students are participating in international
  research projects via computer and modem, sending
  e-mail to scientists, preparing multimedia
  research papers, or videotaping one another for a
  class project" (O'Neil).

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Students and Technology in Action
In our very own class, we utilized digital
technology to record messages.
The instructor uses PowerPoint and an adaptor to
display the screen for the entire class.
A first grade student learns how to use a camera
to record his classmates performance.
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The Pitfalls

• The costs of digital technology can be quite
  cumbersome. For schools that lack funds,
  obtaining certain types of technology can become
  problematic.
• Licensing fees for software and equipment are
  expensive and can hurt a schools access to types
  of technology.
• Teacher training takes time and, at times, money.
  Teachers, staff, and administrators must be
  willing to give up their own time to learn how to
  effectively use the technology available to them.
• Searching through the internet can be dangerous,
  especially if students are not educated in the
  usage of technology.

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Conclusion
After reviewing the potentials and pitfalls
of instilling technology in the classroom, it is
easy to see that technology could and has greatly
influenced education in a positive fashion.
Technology has provided new curriculum
opportunities, as well as prepared students and
teachers for the ever-evolving technological
world. While there are obvious downfalls, there
are grants and other means that educational
facilities can act upon in order to provide
technological advances in the classroom.
Work Cited
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Work Cited
Fox. Research Paper. Chapter 2 Review of
Literature. lthttp//www.softcom.net/users/fox/pa
per/uses.htmlgt K-12 Quality Improvement lthttp//
www.in.gov/sba/budget/2001_budget/Program_Budget_
Book/Program_Budget_Book_pdfs/K12_Education/K12_Q
uality Improvement.pdfgt Mediated Learning Review
(Ed.). Review of recent research in the field of
computer mediated instruction. 1 March
1996. lthttp//www.academic.com/mlreview/index.htm
lgt ONeil, John. Teachers and Technology
Potential and Pitfalls ASCD October 1995.
lthttp//www.ascd.org/readingroom/edlead/9510/onei
l2.htmlgt
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Example of An Online Forum
KRYSTAL VERMILLION gt When we reviewed web pages
as a class we found that the majority found web
pages filled with graphics to be "better." The
graphics and pictures helped to enhance what the
author was saying with a clear visual. Bolter
brings to point the significance of visual
imagery in the 20th century. We are practically
fed images for entertainment, advertising,
instructional purposes, you name it, and there?s
an image for it. Therefore, it only makes sense
that the culture that thrives on visual imagery
would also benefit from the presence of pictures
and graphics in writing space. With the Internet
images can also serve as hypertext leading the
reader to more fun filled image browsing and
others believe that pictures will lead to a more
transparent reality in comparison to text.
LUTHER PRATER has entered. 021103 PM
REBECCA METZ gt I like what Crystal said (way
back there) about how the images add to our
emotional understanding CARI WATSON gt you think?
REBECCA METZ gt Yeah CARI WATSON gt i sure came
to an emotional understanding of that hyperpoem
last class time MELINDA THOMPSON gt mine's not
that long -/ MICHELLE PETRANO gt aside from the
actual text, what other aspect does anyone find
important? MELINDA THOMPSON gt I think that
pictures and visuals add a certain something to
writing. Especially in the classroom when a
professor is lecturing, with a picture and
graphic, students can see easier the topic that
is being explained. Also it is more interesting
for some people look at graphics and pictures
than just hear words. With visuals like movies or
sound clips it makes people take notice more to
the information being given to them and makes it
more easily accessible. REBECCA METZ gt I know we
talked about in theater a lot that different
colors affect the way you emotionally percieve a
scene JAMES MAHONEY has entered. 021206 PM

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Additional Examples

• Teachers are able to employ digital recordings of
  students practices for later review example
• There are programs available that incorporate the
  use of technology such as Cable in the Classroom
  and Channel One
• There are various programs and contests via the
  internet that teachers can allow students to
  participate in. Read examples and stories

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Technology Training Programs Available

• Institute of Computer Technology Online
  Instructional Technology Training Courses for
  Teachers
• Education World offers various state technology
  training programs See Here
• Other programs can be found within schools that
  offer basic training programs, instructed by the
  in-school technologist.

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