Heather Rowlands

Section 4: Differentiating Instruction through Technology

Technology has come quite a long way in the past few years and is now used throughout
America in different classrooms. It can be very helpful in teaching students multiple areas of learning
whether it is a website, some type of software, or a new device to use in the classroom. The
possibilities are endless when it comes to technology and teachers are starting to become more reliant
on these new inventions. Technology can be amazing if used correctly in the classroom, but it can also
be detrimental if a teacher is completely reliant on technology in the classroom.

Technology in the classroom can range from the use of a cell phone, to the use of a projector.
There are pros and cons to have technology in the classroom. For example, having a cell phone in the
classroom can be awesome for parents who are worried about keeping in contact with their children,
but they can also be extremely distracting and detrimental to the student's learning environment.
Technology can be a wonderful thing until it becomes a distraction and is no longer teaching a lesson.
If a teacher can get a student focused on the lesson that involves the technology so they learn
something, then technology can be a teacher's best friend. Technology can also be hazardous in the fact
that too much of it can cause students to disconnect from their social interactions. Thesedigital
devices provide a disconnect of students from face-to-face social activities, family communications and
nature (Pros,Cons, 2012). There must be a good mix of social interactions, old fashioned lecture
teaching, and technology in order for students to still retain some type of social know-how. Lectures
can help complement and clarify text material (CIRTL, 2015).

In order for a teacher to be successful in integrating technology into the classroom, they must
relate it to the lesson and it must teach a relevant series of facts or learning progression. If the teacher is
in charge of a Algebra class and he or she uses a software that is for reading, the lesson will be lost, and
the student will not learn anything essential to the math class. There must be a lesson first, then an
integration of the technology. This will be easiest for the students. There must be teacher directed
learning as the main teaching element in the classroom. They will be able to comprehend the lesson
taught from the teacher before being introduced to the relevant technology. This will help them use
what they just learned using the technology. This can help the student succeed in remembering the
lesson taught because they are able to associate with another way of learning and are able to retain the
information easier.
Student-centered technology has become vital in the classroom. When you look at the job
market today, most all jobs require some type of technological work. This could be onoa computer, or
even some type of designing system.When given access to appropriate technology used in thoughtful
ways, all studentsregardless of their respective backgroundscan make substantial gains in learning
and technological readiness (Darling-Hammond, 2014). Technology integration into the classroom
can only help them in their future lives. By acquainting them with technology at a young age, we will
be able to help students do better in the real world. There are so many programs in the school system
now that are designed specifically for students to use.
Overall, technology in the classroom can be a great addition. It can give students the added
interaction that they need to remember the lesson. Students will be able to learn from both the teacher
and the interaction that they have with the technology. When used correctly, it can be a great addition to
any classroom. By having students use technology at a young age, we can only help them to further
their knowledge for future technological use.

References

Darling-Hammond. "Technology Can Close Achievement Gaps, Improve Learning." Technology Can
Close Achievement Gaps, Improve Learning. N.p., 2014. Web. 11 July 2015.
"Lecturing: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Traditional Lecture Method." Lecturing: Advantages
and Disadvantages of the Traditional Lecture Method. N.p., Sept. 2015. Web. 12 July 2015.

"Pros and Cons of Allowing Digital Devices in the Classroom." Concordia Portland Online. N.p., June
2012. Web. 10 July 2015.