Lit Review #2

Article
Is Technology in the Classroom a Waste of Time?
Thomas, Paul; Sheninger, Eric
Junior Scholastic; April 2, 2012; 114, 3; ProQuest Education Journals
pg. 9

This article discusses the debate between whether technology in the classroom is a beneficial or harmful tool. Many teachers find that learning how to incorporate technology is too time consuming, therefore, school districts spend too much money on technology that is never used or implemented. There has also been evidence to support that no more learning is happening in classrooms due to technology. Some argue that although students need to be proficient in technology, they need to have something worth communicating or something worth demonstrating their need for the technology.

Although it is understandable that school districts should not spend needed funds on technology that will not be beneficial or enhance learning, technology has increased student interest. Today students are learning in a digital age, where learning is not only happening but is also fun and creative. Online tools allow teachers to create learning to real life examples that students can relate to and understand. Virtual tools also allow teachers to give students opportunity to be creative in new and innovative ways, allow students to search for deeper learning and comprehension.

I found this article to be interesting for numerous reasons. For one, as a Technology Teacher, I am often faced with the question of why technology is beneficial or what it is going to do for our students. Aside from preparing our students for the virtual world they will live and work in, technology when used properly, can increase student learning. Students are often seeking technology based learning due to the hands on, interactive and creative possibilities that await. When teaching, I often notice that today's students are not afraid to explore and make mistakes on their own. Many students would prefer to explore individually instead of being instructed on how to specifically do something.

The dilemma with using technology in the classroom is that many teachers resist technology for a diverse range of reasons. Some teachers fear technology because it is the unknown or the confusing. Other teachers do not feel the need or see the benefit of implementing technology in their classroom. This creates situations where students cannot utilize technology opportunities due to the restraining teachers.
I also found this article beneficial because it could be read by students as an introduction to a pro/con project about technology in the classroom. Because this article was written by Junior Scholastic, it is written for students. This means the article will be written using terminology and language that students understand and can relate to. As a resource, I think this would be a great starting point for students to create a pro/con project... using technology.