LOOKING BACK TO TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 1
TOPIC
Technology in teaching and learning
SUBTOPICS Advantages and disadvantages of technology
Strategies that contribute to technology programs’ success
TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Over the past 20 years, technology has transformed society and changed many aspects of daily life. The proliferation of
technology has led to a growing consensus among educators and the general public that it should play a more integral role in
students’ education. Schools’ use of educational technology has continued to steadily increase over the years, as educators
introduce a variety of efforts to integrate technology into the curriculum.
Educational technology is not restricted to individual computer use. It can involve other equipment and applications, such as
videoconferencing, digital television allowing students to interact with programs at their own pace), electronic whiteboards, and
digital cameras.
Educators have struggled with decisions regarding what types of technology to use and how to use them. Researchers agree there
is not one “right” type of technology or one “right” way to use it; rather, it should match schools’ learning and teaching goals and
be appropriate for the students who use it. Districts and schools implement technology initiatives for different reasons. Program
goals include increasing students’ economic competitiveness, reducing inequities in access to computers, raising student
achievement, increasing student engagement, creating a more active learning environment, and making it easier to differentiate
instruction according to students’ needs.
Each technology is likely to play a different role in students’ learning. For example, word processing and
e-mail can improve communication skills; database and spreadsheet programs can enhance organizational
skills; and modeling software often increases understanding of math and science concepts
Experts have suggested that technology can enhance learning by providing students with the following
Opportunities:
drilling and practicing with increasingly difficult content;
accessing a wide variety of information and gaining knowledge from many sources;
visualizing difficult to understand concepts; interacting with data, engaging in hands-on learning, and receiving
feedback; and
managing information, solving problems, and producing sophisticated products using tools such as spreadsheets,
databases, and word processors.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF TECHNOLOGY
Proponents of educational technology contend that technology accommodates individual learning rates and styles and offers
access to learning at any time and in any location. They believe that the use of technology in the classroom provides students
with the opportunity to:
acquire the technological skills they will need for future employment;
develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills;
collaborate with peers;
engage in hands-on learning activities; and
receive immediate feedback.
Advocates also claim that teachers benefit from the introduction of technology into the classroom. Technology gives teachers the
ability to tailor instructional materials and assessments to directly address their students’ learning needs; offers access to more
authentic material to assist in the development and delivery of lessons; and provides additional sources of information for their
students to draw upon in the classroom. On the other hand, critics list a host of reasons why technology should not be emphasized
in schools for example, they contend:
Some educators have endorsed technology indiscriminately, as if the use of computers automatically produces quality
teaching and learning experiences.
Too many schools emphasize technology over learning. For example, the ability to create an attractive document
doesn’t mean that students have a greater understanding of concepts in the core academic areas.
When spending on technology increases, spending on other important programs and activities (such as art, music,
sports, and field trips) decreases.
Technology is not as cost effective as other interventions because equipment requires extensive support.
Technological innovations have often proven unusable because schools lack the capacity to link equipment use with
instructional objectives.
The use of technology requires teachers with strong classroom management skills.
Teachers must carefully monitor students’ use of equipment and often have to provide complicated procedural
explanations.
Computers reduce students’ opportunities for socialization.
Some teachers use computers to entertain students with irrelevant activities.
Children are at particular risk of physical problems, such as repetitive stress injuries or eye strain.
Some school districts have terminated technology programs following logistical and technical problems, resistance from teachers,
and increasing maintenance costs. eliminated its laptop program, claiming the machines had been abused by students, did not fit
into its lesson plans, and had little impact on students’ grades and test scores. Phasing out its laptop program when their students
did not achieve greater academic gains than those without laptops. Public Schools cancelled a plan to provide laptops to all of
their students after evaluating the costs of a pilot program.
STRATEGIES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS’ SUCCESS
The introduction of technology into the classroom doesn’t automatically translate into better instructional outcomes. Research has
demonstrated that the manner in which technology programs are implemented is equally, if not more, important than the type of
technology used. Studies have found that the least effective technology programs were those that simply placed hardware in
classrooms, with little or no regard for the integration of the technology into the curriculum, issues of equity, or the provision of
teacher support. Many factors influence the level of a program’s effectiveness, such as the extent to which teachers are trained
and prepared to implement the program, the level of student access to the technology, and the provision of adequate technical
support. In other words, school districts should build a comprehensive program, not just supply students and staff with
machinery. Following is a listing of strategies that researchers have concluded contribute to the success of technology programs.
Planning. Administrators may feel compelled to provide students with access to the latest technology and adopt initiatives
without careful planning. It has been documented repeatedly, however, that detailed planning is a prerequisite for effective
implementation of technology programs.
Involving teachers in the planning and implementation of technology programs. Experts agree that when teachers have input
into planning and purchasing decisions, they are more likely to perceive the selected technology as useful and integrate the
technology into their classrooms.
Providing all students and teachers with the appropriate tools. Successful technology programs provide students and staff
with access to updated software and well-functioning equipment
Providing equitable access. All students, regardless of the school they attend, must have equal access to technological
resources.
Integrating technology into the curriculum. Experts agree that technology should not be treated as a separate subject or an
occasional project, but as a tool to promote student learning on a daily basis. Educators must consider how technology will be
used to support the curriculum and how integrating technology into instruction that will support the school’s broader instructional
goals.
Providing Strong Leadership. The importance of district and school commitment to the technology initiative is stressed
repeatedly. Strong leadership by school boards, superintendents, district administrators, and principals is a key factor in
developing school environments conducive to the effective use of technology.
Providing teachers with professional development. Research clearly indicates that the single
most important factor in the successful use of technology is teachers’ ability to integrate technology into the curriculum.
Providing teachers with technical support. Research has shown that the provision of adequate
technical support is critical to the success of technology programs
Involving parents and community stakeholders. Successful technology programs develop
partnerships outside of the school system. Parents must be informed of technology programs to ensure their endorsement of
innovations.
Evaluating technology programs. Experts recommend that school districts have a system in place for evaluating technology
programs’ impact on teaching and learning. Funding sources are usually more willing to support technology investments when
there is research-based knowledge about the program’s effect on instructional outcomes.
Chapter 4: Technology Applications, Technology in Schools
National Center for Education Statistics (.gov)
https://nces.ed.gov › pubs2003 › tech_schools › chapter4
