Teaching Through Technology

In the current age of schooling, technology is omnipresent. The computer, for instance, has become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. From schoolwork to homework to taking tests, virtually everything can be done on a computer these days. How technology enhances learning and teaching is a question asked by many teachers and school administrators.

Does technology enhance learning? Studies have indicated that technology does help to enhance learning. Technology infuses classrooms with new digital learning devices, including computers and handheld devices; enlarges course offerings; provides opportunities for hands-on activities; supports learning twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; and develops 21 digital culture skills. One recent study found that elementary students who used e-books performed better in tests than those who read traditional textbooks. The findings of this study were inconclusive but supported the notion that e-books are beneficial in the teaching process.

However, some researchers believe that teachers should be cautious about incorporating technology into the classroom. There is much that teachers can do to minimize the adverse effects of technology on learning. The use of technology in the school should be carefully planned, especially in the early years when the technology is still being developed and integrated into the curriculum. Some techniques, such as interactive whiteboards that allow teachers to write and take notes directly on the board, are helpful in this area.

The integration of technology into the classroom also benefits students. The ability to access educational materials online and to download them to portable devices cuts down on travel while making it easier to stay abreast of new developments in the field. Open educational resources, or those available for free, also increase students' exposure to a wide variety of ideas and cultures. This helps make them better learners, adapt to change, and achieve their maximum educational potential.

Technology in the home has led to the development of e-book readers like the Amazon Kindle and the iPad and electronic newspapers and magazines, and downloadable computer software. There are many advantages to using these kinds of reading materials in the teaching process. Students who have easy access to books, movies, music, and other instructional materials will concentrate better and learn more. Using a digital learning environment, they can access these kinds of media at their own convenience.

Integrating technology into the teaching process is not a new concept, as many school districts have been doing it for years. One of the most successful examples is the integration of technology in elementary and middle schools, which began in the late 1990s. The goal was to provide students with a more rounded experience in the classroom that included technology. Teachers placed VIs (videotapes or digital programs) on the walls to show PowerPoint presentations in elementary school. This enhanced the visual learning experience and created a more interactive learning environment. Some teachers even printed instructional materials off of VHS tape, creating an even further customized learning experience.

The use of technology helps teachers give students a more comprehensive range of options in class. Teachers can cover all areas of learning in a variety of different ways. Using technology in the classroom also allows teachers to introduce foreign languages, providing an excellent opportunity to teach students about the country's culture and history. Using VDI and print resources, teachers can demonstrate various geographic features and objects. They can show how different people in the country have adopted different cultural elements over time. They can compare how these cultural differences have affected literature, film, and other forms of artistic expression.

Many studies have shown the tremendous impact that technology has on student achievement. For example, in a national survey of K-12 mathematics, third-graders who participated in a computer-based learning program outperformed their peers in reading, language, math, science, and social studies. Another study from the National Smartening Foundation found that teachers using VDI increased reading comprehension by almost three times in their classrooms. Another study from the Center for Learning Technologies found that teachers used VDI in classes for older students, increasing their mastery of computers. The use of technology in the classroom is not only saving teachers' time and money, but it is also fostering a more positive learning environment.