Hope Buswell

EDU-225
February 8, 2015

Entry 2: Technology to Enhance Instruction

Integrating Instructional Technology
In the classrooms today, there are many different ways to teach the students how to learn
each subject. Some of the ways that students learn, is visually, hands-on, and auditory. It is so
important that each student has the opportunity to learn in the style that suites the student best. In
todays education, there is a constant rise in technology in the classroom. Some worry that the
increase of technology will replace time. However, the increase of technology is not meant to
replace contact with the teacher, but to enhance the teaching styles and help the students learn in
different ways. A good teacher, is going to take all the resources available and apply them,
however, technology cannot take the place of an effective teacher(CURRENT RESEARCH,
2009). Some of the tools that will be used now and in the future, are google docs, Word,
educational apps on the iPad, and PowerPoint for presentations. Each of these tools are great
ways for students to enhance learning and utilize technology in the classroom.
Google docs
Google docs is a great program that can be used for assignments like essays, and article
reviews, book reviews, and charting information. The great part about google docs that teachers
and students alike appreciate, is the way that it saves what the student is working on, as it is
being created. Then, whenever the student is ready to work on the assignment again, it is

available and ready to be worked on right where the student left off. Many schools utilize this
tool, as it is an easy tool to navigate and students can use it at home and at school.
Word
One of the most common programs used is with the computer, using Microsoft Works,
and it is Word. In Word, students can use this program to create a document for an essay, create a
brochure, make a resume, create a checklist, a calendar, and even make cards. This can be used
for Math, Science, English Literature, Spelling, Social Studies, and even Art. It is important that
students have a couple of different resources to use, like google docs and Word. Some students
adapt better to one program, than another. Students who use Word, may find that they make
fewer spelling errors, become more organized in their writing, and gain confidence in future
assignments (Hetzroni, O., & Shrieber, B., 2004).
PowerPoint
PowerPoint is yet another program that is a great way for students to take information
and put it into a program and watch it all come together in a great presentation. Teachers can use
this program as well, to make a great visual of information, so students who need visual aids, can
get a good visual aspect of an assignment. Using the PowerPoint presentations help the
students remember the material, make the lectures more interesting, and help them pay
attention(Reinhardt, L., 1999). PowerPoint presentations are also a great way for students to
put all the information together in an accurate, orderly and creative way.
Pros and Cons of using Technology to Facilitate Learning (200-300 words)
There are pros and cons to using technology in the classroom. Technology costs money,
and that alone, can be a con, as not all school districts have the funding available to update the
schools with all the technology needed. Another con, is that many are concerned that students

will become dependent on the technology and less likely to use communication skills to get the
help needed academically.
The pros of using technology in the classroom, is that students can become much more
organized with academic assignments, using great programs like Google docs, PowerPoint, and
Word. Students need to research topics, and using the internet on laptops, can really speed up the
process. The internet has been a huge time saver for both students and teachers alike. If a teacher
needs to find a quick resource, the teacher can look it up on Google, and quickly show a student
the visual aid and the student can get right to work. The other great part of having the internet, is
that the teacher can research outside of the local area, and reach out across the world and
integrate geographical aspects into the local classroom.(Gunter, G., Gunter, R., 2015). ( Detail
the pros and cons of using technology to facilitate learning. Describe how technology will impact
your classroom. Must be written in paragraph format, bullet points are not allowed. Provide intext citations and references of research to support your statements. )
Wired and Wireless Classrooms
A wired classroom, is a classroom that uses computers that are plugged into a modem,
and has wired in internet. For example, students can use a computer in the back of the room, all
set up at a desk or table and use any programs that require the internet, such as google, to do
research for assignments. A wired classroom is helpful, however is very restrictive for both
teachers and students. It can be very limiting and hard to work around.
A wireless classroom, is a class that has a wireless router hooked up, and the internet
connection connects automatically, without having to be connected to a modem(Gunter, G.,
Gunter, R., 2015). In a wireless classroom, students can use an Ipad, Iphone, and Ipod, for using
apps to play educational games. Students can also use a laptop for research, anywhere in the

classroom. Having a wireless classroom, enables the teacher to utilize technology in a quick,
least restrictive way. Using computer technology is enhancing instruction in the classroom by
engaging students and giving teachers new teaching tools(Johnson, D., 2001). For example,
using an Interactive Whiteboard will be a great tool to utilize, however, only if there is good
internet access. The use of technology in the classroom, is not meant to replace the methods that
have been used, but to be added to the methods that have been used. Students learn in many
different styles, and integrating technology into the classroom, using wireless internet will be a
huge asset.
Conclusion
The use of technology in the classroom has become another way to enhance teaching in
schools today. Instead of using a white board and erasing over and over, teachers can now use an
Interactive Whiteboard, and save what is put on the whiteboard and use it again and again. The
reason teachers are using more technology in the classrooms, is to help students be motivated to
interact, become more organized and feel more positive about the work that is done. Using
technology is a way to get to the educational source in a quick, effective way, that will keep the
students attention and help the student learn in a more visual way. Using Google docs, Word,
and PowerPoint, will help students utilize technology in a creative and organized way.

References:
CURRENT RESEARCH. (2009). Science Teacher, 76(5), 26-28.
Gunter, G., Gunter, R., (2015) Teachers discovering computers integrating technology in a
changing world. Cengage Learning
Hetzroni, O., & Shrieber, B. (2004). Journal Of Learning Disabilities, 37(2), 143-154
Johnson, D. (2001). The cyber children have arrived. Futurist, 35(5), 14-15.
Reinhardt, L. (1999). Confessions of a 'Techno-Teacher.'. College Teaching, 47(2), 48.