Technology in the Classroom

Technology in the Classroom:

Today we talked again about both the pros and cons of technology in the classroom. Sure there is a lot of pros: students are already addicted to their phones, so why not utilize that. There's a wealth of apps and games to get them engaged, that make learning fun. It allows them to have access to so much information at the push of a button, and can give them another perspective if they just aren't understanding what you're saying. BUT, what about the negatives to this: They can find solutions without doing the work, they can take advantage of phone or computer time to just chat with friends, and they don't have to compute things by hand, when they can just put it into graphing calculators and other similar apps. The newest concern, is photomath. This app allows you to take a picture of a problem, whether handwritten or typed, and it not only gives you the final solution, but also the step-by-step process. This can be both a good and a bad thing. To me, its a great idea. If students are doing homework and they can't seem to get on the right path, this allows them instant access to a starting point, rather than having to wait till the next day to ask you, the teacher. However, it also allows lazier students to just copy the answers and move on, without actually doing the work. To most people, this is a negative, to me, its not all bad. Sure they aren't really using much brain power, but realistically, these are probably some of the same students who normally just wouldn't do the homework. Although they are just copying answers, at least they are getting exposure to the questions, and going through the routine of the step-by-step process. I find I remember a lot more when I write things and don't just look at them. These students are now writing the process rather than just looking at it when it gets taken up in class. To me, this is at least a little better.

Photomath app, gives full solutions

However, then there becomes the question of technology during tests and assignments. Since we are now living in the age of technology, should we allow students to use it as a resource. As Lisa mentioned in class, people once freaked out about students using calculators to find the roots of numbers. However, I believe it would now be rare to find people who can do it by hand, and it is commonly done with a calculator, even on tests and assignments. Perhaps this is the beginning of new age math, and technology will one day be expected for assignments, as we advance. To me, I believe there is a time and place for technology during tests and assignments. I think students should learn basic, in their head, math. I also think, once those skills are learned, why not use technology to speed up this process so that you can learn more in depth knowledge, and expand on these skills without doing everything by hand, every time. To do this, I believe I would not allow students technology for certain parts of tests and quizzes, but once those were handed in, why not allow them to use the resources they now easily have at their fingertips?

Whats your thoughts on technology in classrooms? Not only for learning, but for showing their knowledge on tests and assignments? I'd love to hear from you!

That's all for today,
Miss Sydor