Reflection #11

What?
I recently came across a website online that talks about the effects that technology has had within the educational setting on both teachers and students and simply the classroom atmosphere in general. According to the site, there has been a change in student and teacher roles, increased motivation and self-esteem, increase in technical skills, accomplishment of more complex tasks, more collaboration with peers, increased use of outside resources, and improved design skills and attention to audiences. Of these many changes, however, one in particular caught my eye: increased motivation and self-esteem. This made me ask the question Why? Why did technology have this effect on students? If it does have such an effect in the classroom then it seems highly worth it to include technological resources and outlets within the classroom setting. According to the website's research findings, the most common, universal effect of technology in the classroom was an increase of motivation among students. Students who don't necessarily perform well in an academic setting, thrive when technology is introduced and maintained as part of the curriculum.

So What?
One fifth grade teacher, as quoted on the website, states, "Technology is the ultimate carrot for students. It is something they want to master. Learning to use it enhances their self-esteem and makes them excited about coming to school." Another elementary teacher is quoted as saying, "I see more confidence in the kids here...they can do things on the computers that their parents can't do and that's very empowering and exciting for them." Clearly, students have quality pride when it comes to using the computers. I think that they are greatly able to benefit from having computers be a way of working in the classroom in ways that they gravitate toward in the real world. Since so much of our global culture involves technology, students are motivated to put to use and master their technological skills.

Now What?
As a result of reading this website, I am more motivated myself. As an upcoming teacher, I want to include technology and technological assignments in my classroom when I am creating my curriculum. For a while, I just assumed I would incorporate technology to some extent, through the SMART board or other online means; however, I am really starting to see the important of making ways for all students to use technology. Not only does it give them a voice, it gives them a chance to individually (or in groups, depending on the assignment) thrive and find success. The opportunities that technology presents are endless. There are all kinds of ways that students can use technology, but I want to clearly include it since it gives them a chance to be even more motivated to perform well in school.