Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students

The article I chose to review matched our ITEC class's guidelines very well. The article, Effects of Technology on Classroom and Students, by Linda Herman and Sid Palmer discussed many ideas that are important to technology instruction and integration. The piece was short but very informational.

The author's discussed and even cited other teacher's views. They find that with the use of technology, students seem to have a greater motivation. There was a great quote from an elementary school teacher stating that a student of hers figured out how to make music using a software program, called, HyperCard. This student would stay inside during recess and make musical creations. His musical pieces often brought the class to a halt and soon all the other students were asking this student to make musical pieces for them as well (Hermand & Palmer, p. 12). The great thing, this student was not all that popular and had many problems facing him at home. The music helped him cope and changed his spirits, made a real difference in his life and school year.

Technology's motivational advantages allow a wider range of students to excel. Technology gives students different sets of obstacles and they are able to show us different ways of understanding the information given. For instance, students are given the opportunity to express their views in a slide-show versus verbally. This avenue helps us stem away from conventional testing methods and multiple choice performance and students become more motivated to perform and do well, almost as if they have a newer sense of empowerment(p.12). Kids definitely feel motivated and empowered when they can do things their parents can not. And this happens often with technology, as technology is more of an environmental staple with them versus the parents!

The authors also noted more student collaboration with peers. Students enjoy helping those in the class that may not know how to complete certain tasks. Technology-based tasks often involve many steps and parts, allowing students greater opportunities to help each other (p.13). The authors' statement, "Students who have mastered specific computer skills generally derive pride and enjoyment from helping others", seems to sum up this point beautifully (p.13). Such collaboration often helps us that are teaching, in terms of supplying a happier environment and an environment that is more conducive to learning, a plus for us all.

With technology as a large part of the teaching curriculum, the use of outside resources becomes more prevalent as well (p.15). Some classes use telecommunications activities and satellite broadcasts. One class would hold teleconferences with classes in other states about one math problem. They were then privy to several ideas about solving one particular problem. What a fabulous idea!

Other wealth brought to classrooms included the improvement of design skils and attention to a student's audience. Although, the authors cautioned that some children can get so caught up in the design of a piece and waste a lot of class-time perfecting fonts and picture details, most of the children improved their skills greatly in this area (p.14). Students become more aware of the points they would like to express, what pictures they want to include in a project, pictures that will help illustrate their points. With this awareness, they are also acutely aware of their audience and "want important words to stand out". The students are looking at their pieces of work differently from written works. They enjoy creating more professional looking products and "have the ability and tools to manipulate the way information is presented" (p.14).

Technology has the ability to create a very wealthy class in regard to skill, knowledge, motivation and positive learning environments. But we need to know how and when to use the technology we have at our fingertips. Thank goodness, it seems the students can help us with such use! The effects of technology can be great if we are all aware of what is out there for us and how we can manipulate the tools we have been given. These authors do a good job of bringing all of this knowledge to us.

References:
Herman, L., & Palmer, S. (2002). Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students. Education Weekly, 45(2), 12-15.