Technology in the classroom can be a fantastic resource for students, teachers, and

parents. There are many ways that technology can be incorporated into the classroom, such as

Chromebooks/laptops, smartboards, digital classrooms (google classroom), online education

resources, and more! These resources allow us to find ways to present schoolwork in new,

interactive and creative ways. And because technology has expanded across our lives, it is also

important to make students comfortable with different programs that will be used later in their

life.

From my own experience of substitute teaching, we may rely on technology in the

classroom too much. Recently over winter break, I substituted for a 4th-grade class for three

days. Very quickly I picked up on how often their Chromebooks were in use. Before

announcements, during all subjects, group reading, recess, etc. were all through their

Chromebooks. Over the three days, I had passed out one piece of physical piece of paper to the

class. Though this may have been because it was easier for the teacher, I felt as if the students

lacked real engagement. After every assignment they completed, some students would play

videos games, while others would watch youtube videos. I noticed it was very difficult to keep

the class on task, as students can easily switch tabs while an educator is not present around them.

Tingley (2018) states, “But some teachers argue that in the real world, learning isn't all fun and

games. They worry that students' reliance on technology may diminish their ability to

concentrate and think through complex issues.” Although I do believe technology can be a great

asset to boost learning in creative ways, I felt as if technology was stunting this classroom’s

learning. Whether it was the effects from COVID, or having a very large presence of technology

in the class, students seemed to struggle with reading and math the most. The math resources the

class used seemed more like games with very little math involved. Along with math and reading,
students would rarely write. I remember a lot of paper assignments in my schooling to practice

handwriting, but now it seems rare. Another issue I noticed was how quickly students would

jump to google to search for something, rather than collaborate with peers or ask for help,

“Everything is so instantaneous to kids, and they expect answers to questions right away "

(Tingley, 2018). I hope the amount of technology in that classroom was because the teacher was

not present, but if that is not the case I am worrisome.

I do hope to incorporate technology in my classroom in creative, collaborative ways, but

not to this extent. I believe that physically writing allows students to build more learning, as well

as better recollection of the material. Distractions were a large issue with the Chromebooks, and

social interaction also seemed to lack as students were in their chairs staring at a screen for most

of the day. I hope to use technology where it is beneficial, but not solely rely on it.

After reviewing different ways that technology can be incorporated into the classroom,

and seeing how my placement in Ithaca uses technology, I do feel a bit more confident with the

use of tech in the classroom. My class in Ithaca uses ipads during math time centers. These

centers last for ~15 minutes each, and students get to go to every station. I believe the way my

class incorporates tech is beneficial and not disruptive. The students gain an understanding of

how the technology works and how it can be used, but they do not yearn to use it. Because they

are only used with a goal in mind, and not as a reward, students complete the work they need to

do and easily transition to the next activity. Out of all of my time there, I have not seen a student

get upset or ask to use the ipad once the class is finished using them. I believe my host teacher

has done a great job at safely introducing students to this kind of technology.
 With these observations in mind, I believe I am more confident with implementing

technology in my future classroom. This course has given me lots of great resources and ways

technology can be used for different purposes. At first, I was hesitant and unsure of how younger

grades can use technology, but now I have a better outlook and many ideas. I believe using

technology is important, but we must have a set goal in mind and students must be taught online

safety. Technology is becoming ever so more intertwined with our lives so we must prepare

these students with the correct skills and tools, rather than fight against the use.

I believe that technology in the classroom can enhance learning by giving students a wider range

of tools and resources.

I believe technology can make learning more interactive and engaging.

I believe incorporating technology can give students important skills such as digital literacy, and

critical thinking skills.

 Work Cited

Tingley, S. (2018, July 11). The Pros and cons of digital tools for the classroom. Hey

Teach! Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/pros-and-

cons-digital-tools-classroom1807.html