Technology In The Classroom: Article Analysis

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Pages: 6

Technology is an ever-growing aspect of our lives that advances each day. Technology is used for numerous purposes that can be either extremely helpful or in some cases hindering. Though it has it’s positive and negative qualities, technology seems to be especially useful in the classroom. Multiple studies have been conducted to review the relationship between the implementation of technology in the classroom and how it affects the student’s learning outcomes. SMART boards are specifically prevalent in today’s schools, due to it’s interactive qualities. The article, ‘Integration of SMART Board Technology and Effective Teaching’ by Kathryn Min and Christine Siegel, delves into the SMART board’s effect in the classroom. The article ‘High School …show more content…
This article begins to explain that those born between 1990 and the early 2000’s are considered the “Net Generation”, which is the largest age group in the country. Being part of the Net Generation means that they were born into the digital revolution. According to Small and Vargan (2008), kids are digital natives. The way they process and respond to technology is much different than adults. It also states that teachers are responsible for implementing technology within the classroom because it further engages students, thus leading to academic success. The study discussed in this article was conducted throughout the course of a year, within a second grade classroom, consisting of 18 students. Teachers who volunteered to be part of this study were given a basic information session on SMART boards and some ways they may use it in their class. The students were observed in ten second intervals throughout each session, and were put into the category of either ‘on task’ or ‘off task’. ‘Off task’ consisted of being distracted, speaking to peers, not looking at the teacher, not engaging in conversation, and not answering …show more content…
The aspects that the board was judged on were if it helps them learn, how it functions technically, it’s effectiveness, student’s motivation to learn, time management in getting though lessons, and it’s differences from the typical blackboard. In general, the feedback was positive. The only negative feedback was int he aspect of the boards technical functioning. Most students reported technical difficulties while using the board. A reaction that was the same as the previous study, was the student’s enjoyment of it being neutral. This is assumed to be the case because technology has come to the point where it is to be expected in all settings of life. This article was unique in that it focused on a biology class and how a SMART board may enhance or hinder that specific class. It is stated that biology education is abstract and students must fully understand the material in order to memorize it. The SMART board can sufficiently aid in the students understanding of material in ways such as using animation, interactive models and diagrams, and by watching videos. Another difference observed in this study was the effect gender had on interest and reaction to the SMART board. Interestingly, gender seemed to