Rayanne Becker – Inquiry Project Speaking Notes

Sub Question #2: Why should technology be utilized in the classroom?

What is a Digital Classroom?

 Let’s begin by defining what a digital classroom is:

 “A digital classroom is a learning environment where the goal is to develop independent

learners (emphasis) using the inquiry process. Learning is facilitated using authentic

collaborative tasks where students participate in active learning integrating ICT where

appropriate. Learning is interactive and learner-centred using rich multimedia with self,

peer and teacher feedback” (Roberts, 2007, p. 185).

 I believe the most important part of Roberts’ definition is that “the goal is to develop

independent learners”. This implies that technology is a tool that can be used to help

students become better at learning independently.

The Role of the Teacher in a Digital Classroom

 As Roberts mentioned, Pate also agrees that feedback is key to successfully utilizing

technology in the classroom.

 Teachers must guide students on how they examine and learn from the material they

discover. Students must think critically, or they may believe or agree with everything

they read without forming their own conclusion.

 “Technology helps students discover new material. However, they must learn

to critically think and to form conclusions for themselves. Therefore, during

class, they must be guided into how to explore their own world-view” (Pate,

2016, p. 96).

 “Teachers must create relevant assignments, provide feedback consistently, and dialogue

with the students about expectations. Providing problem-based questions, offering

 opportunities for multi-media submissions and collaborations, and emphasizing

interpretation and communication skills in the classroom all will help make technology

implementation more effective” (Pate, 2016, p. 97).

It's Time for a Body Break!!!

 A body break is one way technology can be beneficial for a classroom!

Benefits of Utilizing Technology

 More visually and auditorily attractive; Increases students’ motivation = more successful

students! One example would be the Go Noodle video; the video was much more

attractive than a teacher leading at the front of the classroom.

 “It can also be said that doing digital-based activities, which are visually and

auditory more attractive, increases students’ motivation, and thus resulted in

higher success.” (Ozerbas & Erdogan, 2016, p. 209).

 Helps develop independent learners through the inquiry process (Roberts, 2007, p. 185).

 Engages students

 Tool for collaboration and creativity; TEAL: technology-enabled active learning

 TEAL “emphasizes activities, collaboration, and creation through the use of

technology... However, technology alone does not equate improved learning…

Utilizing technology in such a way that students are engaged and that the teacher

provides consistent and effective feedback” (Pate, 2016, p. 96).

 Pate emphasizes that technology is not responsible for students’ learning; that

responsibility still rests on the teacher. The technology cannot be substituted for

the teacher. The teacher must use the technology as a tool to help engage his or

her students in relevant assignments planned by him/her.