Philosophy of Technology in the Language Arts Classroom
Educational technology is an effective tool for learning and it has the capability to improve how teachers run their classrooms. It is not restricted to high or complicated technology, such as iPads, Kindles, Nooks, laptops, etc. of electronic devices. It can also include other great application such as Google Earth, Tux paint, PowerPoint, Word, Blogs, Internet, and SMART Boards. Another idea for helping students explore the Internet is to use WebQuests, or specific web-based research projects (Karchmer et al., 2005). Nonetheless, electronic educational technologies have become an important part of society today. I strongly believe that technology like computers are the future and it helps teachers greatly improve the delivery of lessons and provide specific instructional plans based on individual student needs. Also, technology and language arts can come together in two main areas: project across the curriculum and word processing. The basic functions of word-processing programs are inputting text, storing and retrieving it, formatting it, editing it, publishing it, and in some cases, adding simple graphics to it, such as diagrams and charts (Cos, 2008). Related to Language Arts, technology can be use to allow students to use their personal Nooks, Kindles or other e-readers to engage in approved literature during class time. The students can then create book reviews or reports using Blogger, Wordpress or other web tools. Finally, students can share with the rest of their classmates by making their presentations to or creating a step-by-step guide on how they used their chosen technology.
The International Reading Association has issued a position statement on Integrating Literacy and Technology in the Curriculum (IRA, 2001) based on an expanded conception of literacy and the language arts which includes word processing, e-mail, the Internet, and presentation software. IRA maintains that teachers have a responsibility to integrate these forms of information and communication technology into the classroom so that students may become proficient in these new literacies. An analogy that I can think of is we the teachers hand the students the apple of knowledge and they consume it, which is the education of the past. But now, we the teachers turn the students loose in the orchard and say fill up your bushel basket with the best apples. Then we let them use those apples to make something unique, which is the education of the future. I believe technology should be used in the classroom, because there are benefits for both teachers and students. For example, with technology in the classroom it can keep students focused for longer periods of time, it makes students more excited to learn, and it enables students to learn at their own pace. Education is no longer just about learning and memorizing facts and figures, it’s about collaborating with others, solving complex problems, developing different forms of communication and leadership skills, and improving motivation and productivity. Overall, we should be working towards embracing technology in the classroom, because by learning to use it, both teachers and students will develop skills essential for the 21st century.
The International Reading Association has issued a position statement on Integrating Literacy and Technology in the Curriculum (IRA, 2001) based on an expanded conception of literacy and the language arts which includes word processing, e-mail, the Internet, and presentation software. IRA maintains that teachers have a responsibility to integrate these forms of information and communication technology into the classroom so that students may become proficient in these new literacies. An analogy that I can think of is we the teachers hand the students the apple of knowledge and they consume it, which is the education of the past. But now, we the teachers turn the students loose in the orchard and say fill up your bushel basket with the best apples. Then we let them use those apples to make something unique, which is the education of the future. I believe technology should be used in the classroom, because there are benefits for both teachers and students. For example, with technology in the classroom it can keep students focused for longer periods of time, it makes students more excited to learn, and it enables students to learn at their own pace. Education is no longer just about learning and memorizing facts and figures, it’s about collaborating with others, solving complex problems, developing different forms of communication and leadership skills, and improving motivation and productivity. Overall, we should be working towards embracing technology in the classroom, because by learning to use it, both teachers and students will develop skills essential for the 21st century.