Module 4
Advantages of Integrating Technology
In today's 21st century world, technology is all around us. According to the text, Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching, "new strategic knowledge and social practices will be required, and finally, teachers’ roles in New Literacy classrooms will be shifting and extremely important" (Roblyer, 2016, p. 262). Technology in English and Language Arts is a major shift I have seen recently in the classroom. Devices such as iPads, computers, and laptops are being used to help students vocabulary and reading. By incorporating technology, collaboration has grown in the classroom (Roblyer, 2016, p. 265). Students can share their work with other students not directly in their classroom, and even across the world. Both collaboration and multiculturalism is a big benefit in this process (Roblyer, 2016, p. 265).
The following link discusses how technology should be used as an accompaniment tool to learning
English and Language Arts:
Disadvantages of Integrating Technology
A challenge that students and teachers face when incorporating technology into English/Language Arts is the need for new strategies and skills (Roblyer, 2016, p. 263). New technology and new methods are not only new to the students, but also to the teachers. Teachers are having to learn the new programs and devices themselves before being able to use them with their students. While overall I feel that technology is more of an advantage than a disadvantage, I do feel that it is still a new tool that will consistently be changing as the world progresses, which means that teachers and students will have to constantly adapt to the changing technology.
The website below argues against technology in the classroom, saying that young children need a solid foundation in learning without a digital screen.
Specific Activities, Programs, Etc.
Assistive technology, such as iPads or audiobooks, are just a few devices that I feel have been very beneficial to the classroom, especially when it comes to English and Language Arts. These devices give struggling readers the opportunity to grow. Students have the ability to better comprehend words they may have trouble reading (Roblyer, 2016, p. 272).
For students just beginning to read and write, websites such as Brainpop and PBS Kids offer vocabulary and meaning practice (Roblyer, 2016, p. 270). It is easier for a child to want to practice spelling words or vocabulary words when they can in a game-like setting.
Encouraging students to write is another great way to incorporate technology based-programs into teaching. Websites such as Scholastic offer "story starters" to help struggling writers brainstorm ideas (Roblyer, 2016, p. 270).
https://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-language-arts-lessons offers students advice on how technology could be efficiently used in the classroom!
Resources:
Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching, 7th Edition. [Yuzu].
"The forms and functions of literacy have always been changing and are shaped by current society" (Roblyer, 2016, 261). Literacy and its mediums are constantly changing. While some of the new formats are beneficial such as Grammarly which helps people check their work. Other forms could actually be harmful such as text lingo which permits people to use simplified and misspelled words as well as little to no punctuations. It is our job as teachers to make sure that our students are aware of the different forms of writing when using electronic mediums.
ReplyDeleteI love using technology in English and Language Arts. Allowing the students to use individualized websites, will teach the students to move at their own pace. The individualized way that they move throughout modules will ensure that they learn in the most effective way possible!
ReplyDeleteAccording to the text, Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching, "many readers are now doing the majority of their reading online" (Roblyer, 2016, p. 263). Thus including technology in an English and Language Arts classroom could be even more beneficial. Some apps that could be useful for reading are GoodReads, iBooks, and Pocket. I encourage you to check these out!
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