Unpacking Assumptions

What is a good use of technology in the math and science classroom?

I view technology as a teaching tool that engages students through access to information, inquiry based problem solving, and real-world applications.

Access to Information

With the internet as a tool, students have access to any information they need or want to assist them in their conceptual learning. It provides not just definitions and explanations, like a textbook, but pictures, videos, virtual tours, links, and interactive experiences with the content they are studying. The depth of a topic is not limited to what is printed on the page in front of them or the expertise of the instructor. It can go much deeper than either of these instructional tools allow. Access to this information is crucial in today’s learning environements.

Inquiry Based Problem Solving

With all the information available today there is a huge amount of personal choice for learners. They can pick what breadth and depth they want to learn about on any topic imaginable. Technology helps students embrace what they are passionate about and learn more about it. A good use of technology in math and science is to use it to motivate students to seek out their passions. It can be used as a reward for completing something they may not be so passionate about, as well.

Technology can be used as a collaboration tool to cut distance and time between learners and teachers. Online and blended learning is on the upswing, with more and more students choosing this route throughout their schooling. User-friendly applications can assist in group work and communication between students and teachers.

Real-World Applications

The internet provides students with real-world applications in visuals and text. They can complete virtual labs with little or no cost. They can observe live operations and communicate with astronauts in space. Technology opens the doors to the world if it is accessible in classrooms.

What would such a learning experience and environment look like?

An environment like this would need to have computer and internet access, one per child, to use as often as they see fit. The computer would have to be portable, as students may be in different groups at different times. The work would not end when they leave the class but continue at home or in the hall at lunch. I don’t envision the classroom setup as rows of desks but pods of tables or work stations where any number can join together to interact, share ideas, or work quietly on their own. There would still be the need to focus on a teacher as they instruct the whole class but this whole class instruction would be infrequent.

There are many things to consider when deciding on technology use in classrooms but in general, I believe there could be more technology integration in most classes. I see it as the way of the future, as force that will not be stopped.

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