More Technology Creeping Into Classrooms
The advance of technology is an inevitable itch that will not go away. Devices, such as iPads and tablets, are making their way from the household to the classroom, forcing teachers to reevaluate their teaching methods and to adjust their curriculum.
Third-year E.C.E. student, Bianca Palleschi, said that she finds technology to be somewhat distracting to young children in the classroom she works in.
“Regardless of how outdated the technology is, it somehow has a way of distracting children from the tasks at hand. Something as simple as the SMART board [interactive board] turning on or the classroom iPad being charged can cause the children to lose focus,” said Palleschi.
However, she finds that many devices can be useful tools for students if used properly.
“Technology is incorporated in the classroom through YouTube videos during music class, the use of educational games on the iPad during free play and games on the SMART board. Most technology within our classroom encourages and fosters social and emotional development as well as critical thinking.”
Alessia Fezzuoglio, a kindergarten teacher at Rosethorn Junior School, believes that technology has the potential to expand a child’s learning ability.
“As a kindergarten teacher, I am reminded on a daily basis that my students have an unbelievable ability to learn, inquire, question and explore the world that surrounds them. That being said, when technology allows for students to further explore their world, it can be a wonderful tool,” said Fezzuoglio.
She has experienced teaching in classrooms with and without access to technological devices.
“I previously taught in a kindergarten classroom that had constant access to a SMART Board and set of student laptops,” said Fezzuoglio.
“I was able to take my planning and programming to another level. In my current classroom, we are still waiting to have access to a shared set of mini iPads. Therefore, I don’t have the same advantages of quickly accessing online videos or resources that would further my students’ learning.
Technology can especially be useful for children with special needs and learning disabilities.
“Many speech production disorders involve omissions; additions, substitutions or distortions of language and technology can give a child with this disability a chance to communicate,” said Palleschi.
“Pictures and symbols that are quick and easy to change within a program can allow a deaf child to communicate effectively as well. Nine out of the 10 most common disabilities studied suggested technology as a way of communicating or learning.”
Fezzuoglio agrees with Palleschi’s opinion, to a certain extent.
“Prior to teaching kindergarten I taught [for a short while] developmentally delayed students…When it came to incorporating assistive devices or tools that assisted in aiding as a communication tool, technology was an asset,” said Fezzuoglio.
“Technology is wonderful, but I don’t for a moment believe that it should be considered more valuable than any other method or area of development or learning. Students should still learn to print with a pencil, count with manipulatives, and problem solve with hands and real world materials.”
Although beneficial, technology can still raise some issues in regards to distractions, both in and out of the classroom.
Jennifer Dumond, mother of two, finds that the devices in their household can be extremely distracting to their seven-year-old son.
“My son has a pretty steady routine. He’ll play with his iPad first thing in the morning while he eats his breakfast, and plays with it for about an hour each day. When he comes home from school, he plays his Xbox for the rest of the evening…I would say for about four hours total per day,” said Dumond.
Her son has recently been diagnosed with ADHD, and although he is receiving help at school, Dumond notices that technology has a way of affecting his attention span at home.
“When he needs to do homework or is in the middle of doing it, all he cares about is the iPad charging, or he asks for breaks to go play his Xbox. I can only imagine what it’s like if there are devices at school,” said Dumond.
“His teachers have told us he has trouble focusing because he isn’t mentally there and focused. I have reason to believe that technology worsens his ADHD.”
If technology is monitored and used in moderation, it is clear that it can be a beneficial learning tool for children in the classroom.
About the Author
Jessica Spera is a third-year Media Studies student at the University of Guelph-Humber, who aspires to be a journalist for Cosmopolitan Magazine someday. Although small in size, she has big hopes and dreams for her future, and will continue to strive for success.
Related Posts
Educate Your Health →
Taxes Are Here, Have No Fear →
PhD candidate uses technology to help teach anatomy →
