Chapter 3 Digital Tools in Today's Classrooms

Reflecting on What I Know

#1 Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?
It is always important for teachers to stay updated with the ever-changing technologies that are available for their classroom.  Technology is constantly in a state of evolving, and teachers need to understand basic uses for tools in their individual classroom in order to use the newer types of tools as assets for student learning.  Knowledge is powerful regardless of how it is acquired.  Teachers can familiarize themselves with tools that are available to determine what can work best for their group of students.    

#2 Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?
As discussed in our textbook, desktops work well for group use and are easily replaced and upgraded; however, they are stationary and take up muched needed work space (p. 67).  The International Society for Technology Education supports the utilizing mobile devices within the classroom (p. 59).  Mobile devices such as graphing calculators are extremely useful in teaching higher math courses by allowing students to solve math problems, create tables, and plot graphs (p. 72).  Students can work at their own pace with guided help by their teacher or peers.  Digital media players and recorders can be very helpful for students in reviewing the lesson, to practice oral speeches, and transfer and share files with others (p. 68, 69).  Mobile devices can be used to address educational barriors for students with special needs which helpful in inclusion classrooms.

#3 How can he cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are limited in number and scope?
The purchasing of mobile devices can be justified by observing student performance in the classroom and results of required assessments.  Technology is used all around us, therefore school systems should embrace the learning opportuities that are available by intergrating digital devices into the classrooms.  From a financial standpoint it can be costly, but devices can be purchased in chuncks.  At the school where I work, our principal shared that we would be receiving laptops that will be housed in a mobile cart for teachers to check out for their classrooms.  Teachers were very happy to recieve this news.

Reference:  Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom 4th edition; Gary R. Morrison & Deborah L. Lowther