TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

Technology in Teaching and Learning Lindsay L. Clements University of Arkansas at Little Rock

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

Technology can be used to enhance learning and instruction, and according to the United States Department of Education (2012): Technology ushers in fundamental structural changes that can be integral to achieving significant improvements in productivity. Used to support both teaching and learning, technology infuses classrooms with digital learning tools, such as computers and hand held devices; expands course offerings, experiences, and learning materials; supports learning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; builds 21st century skills; increases student engagement and motivation; and accelerates learning. Technology also has the power to transform teaching by ushering in a new model of connected teaching. This model links teachers to their students and to professional content, resources, and systems to help them improve their own instruction and personalize learning. Other ways technology enhances teaching and instruction include making data collection and analysis easier and meeting the needs of all learners, including those who are disabled. This idea of connected teaching is an opportunity for todays students to have more resources than ever before. Integrating technology with teaching and learning offers endless possibilities. Technology and Student Learning Technology has changed the way students learn and desire to learn. The visual and interactive qualities that technology brings to the classroom can improve students motivation by gaining their attention (Roblyer & Doering, 2011, p. 25). Technology can also provide support for manual operations so that students can focus on more complex skills. Student engagement is also increased as they gain a sense of pride in creating their own products. Students are more motivated to produce quality work when they know it will be published on the

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

web for others to see. Technology can foster a multitude of cooperative learning experiences and activities with programs like Google docs, wikis, and blogs. Technology can improve learning by bringing courses and experience to places it could not otherwise be offered through distance education. Distance education can allow students that are hundreds or even thousands of miles apart to attend the same class and receive the same instruction and resources as one another. This brings up the issue of collaborative learning again, and learning can take place at any time. Another benefit of integrating technology is the wealth of information that is available on the internet. Students are able to access unique information sources and populations that would not be possible without the use of technology (Roblyer & Doering, 2011, p. 25). Technology and Instruction Instruction can be improved by integrating technology in many ways. Technology can assist in the collection of data such as grades, performance, and reading levels. Numerous software programs are available for analyzing such data and assisting teachers in tracking student performance. This type of information helps teachers decide what they may or may not need to teach and who needs remediation. Teachers can quickly assess and track student progress, giving students the rapid feedback they need to make adjustment to their learning paths (Roblyer & Doering, 2011, p. 26). Technology also broadens possibilities for assessment. For example, teachers can use student response systems to continually assess and monitor student progress. Assistive technology has made meeting the needs of all learners a reality. Students with disabilities are able to participate and have their needs met more than ever as technology helps compensate for vision, hearing, and/or manual dexterity limitations (Roblyer & Doering, 2011,

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING p. 25). For example, technological advances allow for text to be easily enlarged, simplified,

summarized, highlighted, translated, converted to speech, graphically represented, and supported through accessible, digital materials (Ralabate, 2011). Conclusion Technology in education helps prepare students with 21st century skills. Technologies such as word processing, spreadsheets, simulations, multimedia, and the Internet have become increasingly essential in analyzing and producing information in school settings and on the job (Roblyer & Doering, 2011, p. 26). Students also learn information and visual literacy skills which are important not only during their years of formal education but for the rest of their lives. When combined with recent research finding on potential for impact, these reasons pose a powerful rationale for why technology must become as commonplace in education as it is in other areas of society (Roblyer & Doering, 2011, p. 26).

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING References Ralabate, P. K. (2011). Universal design for learning: Meeting the needs of all students. The ASHA Leader. Retrieved from http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2011/110830/Universal-Design-for-Learning-Meeting-the-Needs-of-All-Students/ Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2011). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. U. S. Department of Education. (2012, October). Use of technology in teaching and learning. Retrieved from https://www.ed.gov/oii-news/use-technology-teaching-and-learning