After reading Technology in the Classroom: The Good and Bad my eyes were opened to some new facts about children and technology. This article start by explaining a scenario with a kindergarten teacher who already uses technology in his classroom with children at such a young age. However, the students were able to take one lesson and connect it to many other things they learned previously on the cell phone and ipad available to them. I personally do not think this is a bad way to learn. The students are more engaged when using technology rather than listening to a teacher lecture. One comment in the article suggests technology is used for purposes of being a pacifier or babysitter. However, when used in the classroom in the right way it can be used for learning purposes.
The main thing we should take into consideration when allowing children to use technology is the difference between engagement and addiction. There is a difference. If the children are using technology for useful purposes rather than entertainment, technology can actually be a great way of learning. As parents and teachers, I feel it is our duty to know the difference between the two and the purpose for which the child is using technology. According to the article, "More than half of all children ages 8 and younger have access to a mobile device at home, either a smartphone, a video iPod, or an iPad or other tablet". The children are obviously using technology, so we should make sure it is used as a learning tool. Although I agree with technology use, I also agree with the article that children should also have time to learn other needed skills as well. There should be a healty balance between the two.
I like your idea of making sure we know the difference between addiction and engagement. That is exactly what parents and teachers need to learn the difference between and how to encourage the engagement side.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can help students learn more and engage more in school work. By using technology in the classroom correctly teachers can teach students discipline on staying focus and not procrastinating.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is a good thing to use technology to teach, but the parents and teachers must make sure that it is being used correctly. Hand on activities engage our children in learning rather than just sitting and listening all day
ReplyDeleteI also agree that teachers need to make sure that the apps are actually educational and not addictive.
ReplyDeleteI agree that teachers should let students use cellphones, iPads, and any other technology devices in the classrooms. Technology has just improved a lot over the years. Now, the teachers do not have to stand in front of the classroom to teach. They can rely on technology to show the students how to learn new and exciting things.
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