Why use Tech in the Classroom?

There is no escaping the onset of technology in the classroom. Therefore I am of the mind that it might as well be embraced. Why not use it to our advantage as educators, to make sure it is done right? Technology in the classroom has its risks, disadvantages and frustrations, but it also has SO MANY amazing and exciting benefits for students and for teachers.

Technology in the classroom provides us with a learning platform to exercise pedagogy in more ways than ever! We can use it as a tool to reach out to every kind of intelligence and learning style; the audio learners, the visual learners, even the tactile learners.

Some excellent research on this topic by Matthew Kruger-Ross:

- A Plea for Pedagogy

- Ways of being a teacher: An alternative to the limits of teacher disposition

- Temporalizing Pedagogy

Now that more and more divices are becoming portable, learning outside the classroom is happening in ways we didn't think were possible. For example

• Scavenger hunt apps (Klickaklue etc)

• Photo/Video Projects (here's one of ours!)

• Fitness apps/trackers (Fitbit, Runtastic, Strava, etc)

• Writing/journalling in an outdoor setting (and all its benefits)

Students on the autism spectrum or with learning or physical disabilities now have access to apps and programs to help them overcome challenges they may have (and even make their own!)

Technology is also increasing access to education accross the globe, opening doors worldwide for those who previously were barred from pursuing learning for political/social/logistical reasons. Humanity is now connected in a way we never thought we could be. Why not try connecting to a classroom in a foreign country for a language class via Google Hangouts, or Skype? Why not teach global citizenship by getting your class to sponsor a village in a third-world country? Using technology, your class can witness firsthand the power they have to make a difference in the world (Teachers for tomorrow, Feed the Children)

Teach your students to use technology efficiently and properly. Teach them to Code! Let them explore their own creativity and design ideas, as more and more jobs in the technology industry are emerging.

It's not just "cluck and fluff!" Technology opens new opportunities for student and teacher alike. If used properly, this is probably our best educational tool we've had since the advent of writing.