The Need for Technology within Education
One of the main goals educators have in every subject and grade level is to prepare students for the future. Weather teachers are getting students ready for the upcoming grade, or preparing for postgraduate studies, teachers are expected to prepare students for the next level of their education and in entering into society. One of the main facets of preparing for the future involves technology. Different forms of technology is found in every aspect of our lives (“Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?”, 2012). As teachers prepare for the future, students are expected to have a certain amount of knowledge on how to use different technological tools.
Because technology is such an integral part of our lives, it also needs to be a part of our education. Both state and national educational testing requires technology knowledge and is performed on computers. Idaho Standardized Achievement Test (ISAT) not only takes place on a computer it also requires the use of a graphing calculator for the upper grade levels to pass off in mathematics, required for graduation (Idaho State Department of Education, 2012). Idaho is also in the process of changing the testing process that incorporates more of a constructivist approach to the assessment which will require more technology comprehension (Smarter Balanced, 2012). It is becoming important at the state and national level for students to be prepared in using the modern day technology. Frameworks for the 21st century skills (“The partnership of 21st century skills, 2011) is a national organization striving to make sure every student is ready for the technology of the 21st century.
Technology has other purposes beyond preparing and taking assessments. Bringing technology into the classroom motivates students, enhances instructional methods and increases productivity (Doering & Roblyer, 2012). Edutopia’s article “Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum” (2012) has similar reasons on using technology in the classroom. Students are more active in the learning process, participate in groups better and have more frequent interaction and feedback from the teacher. Beyond the classroom, students have access to real-world experts, tools that can be accessed at anytime and from anywhere, and it provides problem solving strategies (Doering & Roblyer, 2012).
Preparing students for their future includes putting the students in the drivers seat of their own education. This process changes the role of the teacher and the students from the “traditional” aproach (Doering & Roblyer, 2012). Teachers move away from the direct teaching approach to a facilitator and guide. Students do the learning in an active way while the teachers help them stay focused and in the right direction within a lesson. Instead of students sitting in a chair listening to a teacher talk, they have to problem solve and take on the responsibility of their learning outcomes (Why Do We need Technology Integration, 2012).
The need for technology in education is very evident. The basis of why educators teach is to change the lives of their students and get them ready for entering the every changing world as responsible adults. This cannot be done without the tools that are used in every part of our society and in every aspect of our daily lives.
Resources:
Doering, Aaron H., Roblyer, M.D., (2012). Educational technology into teaching sixth edition. Boston. Pearson Education Inc.
Idaho state department of education - Assessment - Idaho standards achievement tests (ISAT). (n.d.). Retrieved September 6, 2012, from http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/assessment/isat/
Smarter balanced assessment consortium. (2012).Smarter balanced. Retrieved September 6, 2012, from http://www.smarterbalanced.org/
The partnership for 21st century skills. (2011). Retrieved September 6, 2012, from http://www.p21.org/
Why integrate technology into the curriculum?: The reasons are many. (2012).Edutopia. Retrieved September 5, 2012, from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction
Because technology is such an integral part of our lives, it also needs to be a part of our education. Both state and national educational testing requires technology knowledge and is performed on computers. Idaho Standardized Achievement Test (ISAT) not only takes place on a computer it also requires the use of a graphing calculator for the upper grade levels to pass off in mathematics, required for graduation (Idaho State Department of Education, 2012). Idaho is also in the process of changing the testing process that incorporates more of a constructivist approach to the assessment which will require more technology comprehension (Smarter Balanced, 2012). It is becoming important at the state and national level for students to be prepared in using the modern day technology. Frameworks for the 21st century skills (“The partnership of 21st century skills, 2011) is a national organization striving to make sure every student is ready for the technology of the 21st century.
Technology has other purposes beyond preparing and taking assessments. Bringing technology into the classroom motivates students, enhances instructional methods and increases productivity (Doering & Roblyer, 2012). Edutopia’s article “Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum” (2012) has similar reasons on using technology in the classroom. Students are more active in the learning process, participate in groups better and have more frequent interaction and feedback from the teacher. Beyond the classroom, students have access to real-world experts, tools that can be accessed at anytime and from anywhere, and it provides problem solving strategies (Doering & Roblyer, 2012).
Preparing students for their future includes putting the students in the drivers seat of their own education. This process changes the role of the teacher and the students from the “traditional” aproach (Doering & Roblyer, 2012). Teachers move away from the direct teaching approach to a facilitator and guide. Students do the learning in an active way while the teachers help them stay focused and in the right direction within a lesson. Instead of students sitting in a chair listening to a teacher talk, they have to problem solve and take on the responsibility of their learning outcomes (Why Do We need Technology Integration, 2012).
The need for technology in education is very evident. The basis of why educators teach is to change the lives of their students and get them ready for entering the every changing world as responsible adults. This cannot be done without the tools that are used in every part of our society and in every aspect of our daily lives.
Resources:
Doering, Aaron H., Roblyer, M.D., (2012). Educational technology into teaching sixth edition. Boston. Pearson Education Inc.
Idaho state department of education - Assessment - Idaho standards achievement tests (ISAT). (n.d.). Retrieved September 6, 2012, from http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/assessment/isat/
Smarter balanced assessment consortium. (2012).Smarter balanced. Retrieved September 6, 2012, from http://www.smarterbalanced.org/
The partnership for 21st century skills. (2011). Retrieved September 6, 2012, from http://www.p21.org/
Why integrate technology into the curriculum?: The reasons are many. (2012).Edutopia. Retrieved September 5, 2012, from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction