Tosha Rhea
Instructional Technology
Holden
Technology in the classroom
Computers can be found everywhere. Through computers, society has instant access to
information from around the globe. Local and national news, weather reports, sports scores, joblistings, and countless forms of educational material always are accessible. The use of computer
technology in the classroom prepares students for the growing demand of today’s technology, fosters
students’ learning, and is considered a “green” way of teaching.
Integrating computers into every classroom prepares students for the growing demand of
today’s technology. As technology continues to advance, computers are becoming more a part of daily
living; therefore, computer literacy is vital to one’s success. Not much has changed in the way
elementary students were taught in 2003 from 1990. Most teachers are not integrating technology into
the classroom (Notar, Wilson, and Yunker, 2003). Schools that do not provide students with access to
computers in every classroom might be considered inadequate in the sense that these schools have not
recognized the link between students’ success and computer literacy.
The use of technology can foster students’ learning. Educational software exists for just about
any subject that often includes games to make the learning experience more fun. As we know, if a
student is having fun they are more likely to learn. Walking into a classroom that uses technology can
be almost contagious with the energy in the room (Boe, Lentz, 2004). Computer-aided instruction can
consist of self-directed, self-paced instruction on a topic. This can give more time for students who
complete assignments early to do enrichment activities. There are many education websites that are
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interactive and offer students more information on a topic. Educators have unlimited opportunities
through computers and the use of the Internet to change the way students of all ages are learning
(Notar, Wilson, and Yunkar, 2003).
With so much emphasis being put on saving resources and living in an eco-friendly environment,
it would seem that using computers instead of textbooks as a teaching tool would be considered a
“green” way of teaching. The Iredell-Statesville School District in North Carolina has an energy-efficient
plan that allows schools to receive funds based on the amount of energy each school saves (Gerard,
2008). Schools that move to this way of thinking could not only receive added funds, but would set a
great example for students. Instead of just teaching about saving resources, schools would actually be
investing in the idea of a “green” school.
Almost every home in America has a personal computer. Shouldn’t schools be as up-to-date as
the average American home? Technology in the classroom will better prepare students for today’s
growing technology, aid in students’ understanding, and be an excellent example of an eco-friendly
school.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Boe, Natalie and Lentz, Kathleen (2004). Implementing Technology in Elementary Schools. Technology &
Children. Issue 12.
Notar, Charles C., Wilson, Janell D., and Yunker, Barbara (2003). Elementary In-Service Teacher’s Use of
Computers in the Elementary Classroom. Instructional Psychology. Vol 30, Issue 4.
Gerard, Vanessa St. (2008). Savvy Schools Are Going Green. Education Digest. Issue 5; p.32-33.