In this digital age, it is important that teachers keep up-to-date with the ongoing advancements in technology in order to provide effective and appropriate education to students. This ensures that students are educated in ways that are widely used in society and prepares them for their future. Learning through technology also links with students interests.
Interactive Whiteboard’s (IWB) specifically promote intellectual quality through their diversity and interactivity. IWB’s ensure that students learn in a constructive environment, where teaching and learning is interactive. They also promote higher order thinking through manipulation and problem solving. “Knowledge is presented as problematic, socially constructed and open to multiple interpretations” (Kent, 2008, p. 24).
I personally agree and feel that students benefit from learning with things they are comfortable with using. When teachers incorporate technology into their classrooms, they make learning relatable to students’ home lives. Technology also provides teachers with opportunities to tailor lessons to suit multiple ways of learning, for example, visual learners, kinaesthetic learners. “Educators should use technology in the classroom because its wide range of uses and forms has the potential to reach students of all learning styles” (Rodgers, n.d).
Technology should only be used if it enhances the lesson, and teachers should be kept up to date with ICT improvements. “IWBs can make good teaching great, just as they can make average teaching worse” (Kent, 2008, p. 25). I strongly agree that teachers should aim to support the ‘digital natives’ in their classroom with lessons that suit their individual needs. However, I also believe that teachers should consider the demographic they are teaching in and the socio-economic status of their students and families. Teachers should also consider the negative impact on writing, that technology may have if over-used. A balance of all aspects of learning should be incorporated in the classroom.
Kent, P. (2008). Interactive Whiteboards: A practical guide for primary teachers.South Yarra, Australia: Macmillan Teacher Resources.
Amy Shine 20113752 