PROS and CONS with Technology
Advantages of Integrating Technology
As we advance further into 21st century, technology is becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives, including our education system. Integrated technology makes learning possible even outside of the classroom wall which gives an opportunity for distance learning and also provides increased research opportunities. “Technology and interactive multimedia are more conducive to project-based learning. Students are engaged in their learning using these powerful tools, and can become creators and critics instead of just consumers (https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance).” “Technology helps change the student/teacher roles and relationships: students take responsibility for their learning outcomes, while teachers become guides and facilitators. Technology lends itself as the multidimensional tool that assists that process (https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance).” In my Social Studies class I will utilize the virtual field trips to help engage students with a more real life experience. Virtual field trips are “visits” students make with online sites to see places they could not easily go to in real life or that can help them get more out of trips they are able to take (Roblyer 2016. pg 343).
Disadvantages of Integrating Technology
While technology can be a great addition to the classroom, it also can be a source of frustration for both the teacher and the student especially with my chosen subject, Social Studies. Within the school program, social studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and the natural sciences (Roblyer 2016. pg. 336). A disconnected youth is one disadvantage effect of technology in today’s world. People are attached to their screens almost 24/7, which is causing an entirely new set of social issues to pop up (http://futureofworking.com/10-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-technology-in-education/). While having an easy access to information may seem like a great thing, it can become a real problem in a test taking environment. Cell phones have made cheating easier than ever. You no longer have to figure out how to write all of the answers down, you can just look them up (http://futureofworking.com/10-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-technology-in-education/). Despite their obvious value and relevance to future citizens, social studies themes and topics are not usually among those included in statewide assessments (Roblyer 2016. pg. 338).
Specific Activities, Programs, Etc.
Roblyer discuss ways to allow students to interact and enjoy social studies with activities such as: virtual field trip, adventure learning, and digital storytelling. With the virtual field students who may travel little, the wealth of images and information from virtual field trips helps them see and understand the variety of cultures, sights, and events outside their own communities (Roblyer 2016. Pg. 343). Adventure learning is an approach that lets students learn through real-world experiences, either by taking actual trips themselves with mentors or by following the explorations of others using distance tools (Roblyer 2016. pg. 344) Digital storytelling is a strategy that allows students to use a personal narrative to explore community-based history, politics, economics, and geography (Roblyer 2016. Pg. 344).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCeT6WO121I
Reference:
Youtube VIdeos
Roblyer, M.D. 2016 Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching
Reference:
Youtube VIdeos
Roblyer, M.D. 2016 Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching
Great blog, I agree with the virtual field trips. With the virtual field students who may travel little, the wealth of images and information from virtual field trips helps them see and understand the variety of cultures, sights, and events outside their own communities (Roblyer 2016. Pg. 343). This allows smaller schools and parents who cannot afford expensive field trips to learn as well as enjoys places that maybe they wouldn't have the means to go. This is a great interactive way to also learn about a field trip that your class maybe going on as well. This would help the student to have an idea of what they will be apart of.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the extra info as we will have a lot to utilize in the Social Studies field when it comes to technology and different ways to teach and reach our students. Robyler (2016) notes "Adventure learning is an approach that lets students learn through real-world experiences" (pg. 344). I went to American Village with my son and its great to get that first hand experience of what it was like to be at a certain place or time. It is interesting with the internet that students can follow along online to other places around the world in Adventure Learning.
ReplyDeleteI think Virtually Field Trips would be very cool. "Visiting foreign language locations online gives students a richer, more comprehensive perspective on the world around them," (Roblyer, 2016, p.343), but my concern would be with the more mundane field trips. Would the smaller field trips be replaced by more digital escapism? I'm sure it could become tempting for schools to rely on them, but I hope actual field trips don't become a thing of the past!
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