Integrating Technology into the Classroom

This article by Marissa Kelly at About.com, although a bit antiquated, is a good synopsis of how to use technology in today’s classroom. Kelly focuses primarily on the use of computers on the internet as the integration of technology. She asserts that the internet can be utilized as a research tool for students and teachers, and she encourages the creation of classroom websites to publish students’ work samples. Kelly points out that teachers can use the internet for the creation of online assessments, and she lists some of the downsides of using the internet as a research tool.

Kelly touches on the inherent issues of students using the internet as a research tool including the accuracy of information and plagiarism. However, I believe that she underestimates these problems in today’s world. Students today spend an inordinate amount of time the internet, and many students do not critically judge the information that they gather through internet research. Many website can have misinformation about a subject, and teachers who encourage their students to use the internet as a research tool must instruct them to have a critical eye when examining information on the web. Another downside to use of the internet is the temptation of students to plagiarize, believing that the unsuspecting teacher won’t be able to discern a student’s work. I have experienced this first hand with students as young as fifth grade, but more commonly with middle school students (I have not worked extensively with high school students).

Although there are problems with using the internet as a research tool, the integration of technology in the classroom is fundamental to student achievement. As with any new technological advancement, teachers will find intrinsic difficulties that must be overcome. However, if today’s teacher wants to relate with today’s student, they must meet the learner where they are, and today’s learner is on the internet!