Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology

Advantages of Integrating Technology

Integrating technology gives students many positive new changes in learning, but the biggest advantage is allowing students access to the technology which will be so prevalent in the rest of their life.  Teaching students how to be computer literate, and to work through digital formats, and to interact through social media and online outlets allows them a chance to get impromptu training in something that will prove highly valuable to them down the road.  I also like the interactive chances ebooks offer students.  Ebooks “serve to engage readers by allowing them to notate and interact” (Roblyer, 2016, p.272) with the text. They also open a lot of doors in special education, and are very helpful with autistic children.

This article outlines some advantages of using technology in the classroom.

Disadvantages of Integrating Technology

Becoming overly reliant on technology reduces the need for handwriting and the literal written word.  There is controversy over the teaching of cursive writing, as some say they feel “that this time would be better spent on other educational priorities,” (Roblyer, 2016,p. 269) and it brings up an important question.  A big issue with English-teaching in general is the idea of reading print media versus digital media.  Although printed media is “the dominant mode in schools of communicating ideas” it is  “no longer sufficient for learners,” (Robyler, 2016,p. 265).  While cursive writing is definitely still a worthy thing to teach, we would also be doing students a disservice to not teach them technology since they will grow up with it regardless.  It can be argued that word processing skills are more important than cursive, but it’s a disadvantage to be losing something such as cursive writing from a curriculum.

 This video discusses some disadvantages of integrating computers into writing.

Specific Activities, Programs, Etc.

In English classes, technology’s is vital in connecting different resources, be it literature, academic journals, or multimedia, and putting them all under one roof.  I like the idea of using digital texts for analysis, because it makes it so much easier to research papers when everything is connected. This also allows students to “make notations directly on the text” (Roblyer, 2016, p.278) and make interactions digitally.  I think assigning blogs is also a good move in an English class, as it “provides opportunities for an authentic writing experience,” (Roblyer, 2016, p.275).  They also encourage students to write and sharpen their craft.

Source:

Roblyer M.D. (2016). Integrating technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston,MA: Pearson.

Technology Tools for the 21st Century


Materials Generator--Materials generators, which include “desktop publishing software, Web page editors, whiteboard activity software, worksheet and puzzle generators,” (Roblyer, 2016, p. 143) and more, offer means for teachers and students to produce new classroom content.  Google Sites is a desktop publishing software that can be utilized to make a website, spice up a syllabus, or offer a change of pace for presenting lecture material.  Another material generator in the Google suite of software is Google Drawing, which is a graphic document maker.  Drawing can be used to create posters, presentations and more.  

Data Collection & Analysis Tool- These softwares unify classes in an online setting and offer means of compiling information concisely for everyone.  Google Forms  is an example of an online survey tool, which is useful for quickly gathering ideas in a classroom.  Surveys and classroom queries are easier to do with something like Forms.  Quizzes are also easy to set up on forms, and grading them is easy.  SurveyMonkey is one of my favorite examples of this type of technology.  This is because “it eliminates the need for postal mailings or for respondents being in any particular location to complete a survey,” (Roblyer, 2016, p. 151).

Testing & Grading Tools-A testing tool Add-On is Flubaroo, which allows teachers to grade online assignments and tests quickly.  This is a huge timesaver for teachers, and allows instant feedback for students on their grades.  Testmoz is a free test generator that allows students or teachers to quickly build a test.  This can be used for actual tests, or even for students in creating mock tests and study guides.

Graphics Tools- A graphic tool found in Add-Ons is Word Cloud Generator.  A word cloud can add visual flavor to a presentation or on a created website, and can “help students understand the importance of repetition, style, and focus in their speeches,” (Roblyer, 2016, p. 159).  Word clouds can show patterns in speech and in writing, and using them is another unique means of teaching information.  Photoshop is the most extensive graphic software, but costs $700..  Photoshop may not be necessary in a normal classroom, but great for specialized classes.

Planning & Organizing Tools- Google Calendar is a planning tool that is easily overlooked.  “Time management tools are especially popular applications on handheld computers,” (Roblyer, 2016, p. 162) which is not a surprise.  Plan board app is an online lesson planning software.  It is yet another way to save time for teachers, and allows more time for innovative thinking instead of tedious planning.

Research & Reference Tools--  Most reference tools are “online and usually available as apps,” (Roblyer, 2016, p. 162).  Rhymefinder is a Google Add-On that would be awesome in an English classroom.  This gives students an aid when working on poetry and writing stories.  Wikipedia is one of my favorite research tools.  Knowing how to find sources within Wikipedia is very valuable in research papers.

Content-area Tool

Speech Recognition is an Add-On that allows users to write documents by speaking.  It could be useful in English classes for certain students.   Spreeder is free software that teaches students how to speed read, and could help students improve with finishing their reading assignments.  




Source:

Roblyer M.D. (2016). Integrating technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Website Evaluation, Search Engines, and More

Websites Evaluation, Search Engines and More

Search Engines & Web Navigation

Search engines are ubiquitous, but still underutilized.  Teaching students to use them efficiently is much like teaching students how to navigate a library in the past--while the practice is different, the concept is similar.  Since “most search engines allow several kinds of ‘advanced search’ options,” (Robyler, 2016, p. 183) there is no shortage of ways to utilize the nuances of search engines.  Once students are able to distinguish between legitimate sources, they can narrow down and focus searches to find specifics in any subject.   “Digital literacy, which includes the ability to be critical and ethical producers and consumers of media,” (Robyler, 2016, p. 191) is as important as any use of search engines.  Students should be able to sift through bad websites and sources to find the truly useful ones.  

Website Evaluation

This video is not long-winded, preachy, or wordy.  It illustrates a very common problem people have with identifying sources, and quickly shows how to remedy this problem.  Many of the ideas are repeated from the module and its videos, but it is still an effective two minutes, and I would love to implement it in my classroom because examples are the best way to explain a problem, in my opinion.  It also ties in the idea of different suffixes in websites, which can mean the difference between a website for our nation’s executive branch of government and a porn site (Robyler, 2016, p.174).

Favorite Professional Websites

I really like Literature Learning Ladders (http://eduscapes.com/ladders/themes/literacy.html), primarily because “appropriate helpful links to other, related sites are provided,” (Robyler, 2016, p. 198).  There are many different tools for teaching literature, and various ideas for thinking outside of the box and collaborating between students, especially when reading novels.  

Teacher’s Domain (or PBS LearningMedia; http://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org) is also a great tool.  I always thought the PBS videos we watched in high school were of high quality and not only does this site have videos, it has videos for specific subjects that change daily/weekly, as well as other resources.  This site checks off many of the criteria from the Evaluation Checklist, but most prominently to me is that “graphics, videos and sound are included to help communicate information on the topic,” (Robyler, 2016, p. 198).  

Online Safety and Security

Phishing scams are a serious concern to me.  These are “emails that claim to be from a legitimate organization... [that]...ask for personal information but[…]actually used for identity theft,” (Robyler, 2016, p. 176).  I have almost been fooled by them myself, so it is concerning to me that students could be faced with these type of scams, especially under the guise of a school email.  It is very important that students are educated about fraud and phishing scams at a young age, because they will only become more of a problem over time.  

Source:

Roblyer M.D. (2016). Integrating technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

THE BASIC THREE

             In this post, I will detail the “Basic Three,”--the three types of software used most commonly as teaching aides in the classroom.  I will highlight the pros and cons for each and will discuss some potential applications for the classroom.

WORD PROCESSING

            It is no surprise that “word processing has become the most commonly used software in education.”(Robyler, 2016, p. 114).  Word processers are so ubiquitous in learning environments (and everywhere else) that I was surprised to see it in the discussion of technology in the classroom.  I take it for granted, and it has been engrained in society for all of my formative years.  They are almost as prevalent as writing itself.   Although they many uses, I worry that the focus is more on format and not on writing. A document riddled with mistakes--be it grammar, punctuation or false information—will ruin even the most professional looking document.

SPREADSHEET SOFTWARE

            The importance of spreadsheet software depends on the subject. Since I am pursuing a degree in English and Language Arts, spreadsheets are not quite as necessary as they might be in other subjects, but they can help to “visualize the impact of changes in numbers” and save time.  (Robyler, 2016, p. 121).  For grading and the application of numbers, spreadsheets can be helpful, but I do not see it as a priority for English. I feel it puts an onus on students to learn the ins and outs of the software, rather than focusing on the math itself.  Knowing methods of navigating software is vital to the development of students for many purposes, but having a well-rounded approach to spreadsheet software would seem more important to science and mathematics. 

PRESENTATION SOFTWARE

            Presentation software can be a huge help in diversifying lectures and lessons for teachers and students because, “it helps them think through what they will say and in what order they should present information,” (Robyler, 2016, p. 127).  In any subject, presentation software can break up monotony and offer different ways of approaching subject matter, along with helping “focus student attention and guide note taking,” (Robyler, 2016, p. 131).  My main concern for the software is the potential for bad presentations—information pasted and regurgitated, talking points that go nowhere, and dull content.  To me, this software is like decoration.  Decoration by itself is useless, but adding it to a solid foundation only enhances a product and adds variation.

CLASSROOM USE—CHOSEN SOFTWARE

            I plan on implementing a lot of presentation software, and I think it has a lot of potential when teaching literature.  For high school kids, repeated reading and discussion can lead to monotony.  Presentation software is a great way to throw in something different, and it is “becoming increasingly common for students to report on their reading using presentation slideshows,” (Robyler, 2016, p. 131) which opens the door to many possibilities.  Presentations can be used to help explain the context of a novel, the historical background, or flesh out characters individually.  Either way, it is a nice tool for changing things up in the classroom.  This video shows some of the cool things Powerpoint can do.

Reference:

Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching.

Word Cloud and Intro Paragraph

I believe education is a key to success in all walks of life.  I am passionate about English because I am passionate about art and the power of words.  Words have unlimited power, and harnessing their use is crucial for young people’s development.  Regardless of technological advances or social climate, strong language skills and the ability to analytically read and dissect writing and literature can open countless doors.  Beyond any of that, literature is one of my favorite art forms, and, to me, nothing beats great writing.  To be able to help kids find and develop that love--if nothing else--makes teaching English important to me.