One of the fears that teachers have is to lose their authority in the classroom. It becomes even more apparent when technology is being used, as it potentially dampens the learning experience (Burns & Adams) for some but empowers others. Not only that, but there is also concern about computers being used for every little thing. It may feel like a power drill in a room full of screwdrivers; a learning curve but expediting the work and shortening the time. However, teachers do not need to fear due to the amount of potential and power they can harness from technology. In a traditional classroom teachers provide the structure, and that includes when the assignment involves computer use.

With the presence of technology, there is a ton of possibilities in mind. When we look at computers at home, we often think about leisure and entertainment. As teachers that look at computers in the classroom, we should think about them as educational support (AIU). Teachers already have proven time and time again that they are the innovative ones that create assignments that are practical and always consider the end goal. Therefore, they are the ones who should direct how computers are to be used for their work and in the future. Efficacy depends on the right programs and devices to use (AIU) to reach the goal at hand. For example, a class covering physics would need the appropriate software to show, explain, and possibly test various theories.

Human Rights or a Distraction…

A hidden part of using computers in school is human rights. Depending on regional rights, freedoms, and teacher goals… students should not be denied access to things such as the Internet and their laptops in class (uWaterloo). In Canada, students that have a disability reserve the right to keep their disability private. Therefore, if they are not permitted to use computer hardware and software that helps them despite their disability, it is a human rights violation (uWaterloo). Researchers have also found that the use of technology in class can become a distraction for other students (uWaterloo). For example, if someone was watching a YouTube video while being online, it takes monitoring and consistent observation for the teacher and many times can hinder progress. If that happens, education professionals can deal with those instances accordingly.

Letting Teachers Take the Wheel

Mary Burns and Sharon Adams write about schools overcoming obstacles. They suggest that as plentiful as technology is in school, it will take time to transfer some of the teaching methods (Burns & Adams), especially now since Covid19 has completely transformed how we look at technology and learning. Teachers do not have worry but they do have to investigate best practices and best tech implementations. Covid19 forced many schools to completely go online, so we know what its like to have a “Tech-Takeover” and we also know that non-technological resources are still necessary for learning (Burns & Adams). Microscopes and Petri dishes are still needed to study biology. Watercolors and sketch pencils are still needed to learn about art. Organic educational materials can coexist alongside computers. If educators would like to emphasize the importance of constructivism in the classroom, it can be done without technology but if we are preparing students for a world full of tech then educators must get on board and transform their classrooms. Also, to support a world with various learning styles, a variety of teaching methods are required (Burns & Adams).

References:

Adams, Sharon & Burns, Mary. (1999). Connecting Student Learning and Technology.

The University of Waterloo. “Managing Students’ Use of Technology in the Classroom.” Centre for Teaching Excellence, 1 Mar. 2019, uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/lecturing-and-presenting/logistics/laptops-classroom-virtue-or-vice.

“Use vs. Overuse: Balancing Tech in the Classroom.” Alliant International University, www.alliant.edu/blog/use-vs-overuse-balancing-tech-classroom.

Meg Conlan Twitter Meg is an editor for the CDW family of technology magazine websites. (2020, September 15). 6 Ways Students Benefit from Technology Integration [#Infographic]. Retrieved December 31, 2020, from https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2016/08/6-ways-students-benefit-technology-integration-infographic