Chapter 3 - Digital Tools in Today's Classrooms

It is true that there appear to be as many different types of digital tools as there are stars in the sky!  It also seems like as soon as you buy one of them, a new and improved version comes out that makes yours look like a dinosaur.  Why then is it important to learn about these swiftly advancing technological gadgets?  It is important because each of them serves a unique purpose and the knowledge about each one is cumulative.  The more technological tools a teacher can use, the more perspectives s/he will be able to bring to his/her students.  The technologically saavy teacher is able to offer a variety of choices so that students can discover the tools that fit their individual learning style/intelligence (Gardner, 2000).  Knowing the functions along with the advantages and disadvantages of all digital tools, allows teachers to choose those that are best suited to achieve the objectives of the lesson plan.  A teacher who is up to date on the latest technology will not be left behind as the digital world evolves.  There will be less glitches and frustrations in the classroom, which will be filled with motivated students excited to use the digital learning tools.

Although desktop computers perform many of the same functions as mobile devices, teachers should know how to use both because each one has its pros and cons.  Desktop computers have larger monitors that make it easier for groups to work together on computer projects.  They also have removable parts that can be upgraded or repaired.  The problem with these machines is their size.  They take up a lot of space and are too heavy and cumbersome to move around.  Alternatively, laptops and other mobile devices are compact and travel easily.  Students and teachers can move these devices around the classroom, between classrooms, and even bring them to and from school.  Of course, the obvious problems that ensues from their mobility is the fact that they can easily be misplaced, dropped, or stolen (Morrison & Lowther, 2010, p. 67).

Another big issue with all of these tools of technology is their cost.  In today's economy how can we justify spending what little funds that are available to schools on these expensive items?  As we read in chapters one and two, it is vital to the future success of our students that they learn 21st century skills (Morrison & Lowther, 2010).  Due to the fact that many aspects of our modern world revolve around technology, it is crucial that students learn how to be technologically competent.  Furthermore, because our students have been growing up in this age of technology, digital tools are what they know.  We must offer them access to these tools in order to connect with them and create authentic activities that are meaningful and relevant to their daily lives.  As previously mentioned, digital tools allow students to view concepts, problems, projects, and other classroom activities from many different perspectives.  These tools renovate the classroom and change students from passive to active learners, who want to work to their potential and achieve the lofty goals they set for themselves.

References

Gardner, H. (2000). Can technology exploit our many ways of knowing?
       The Digital Classroom, Retrieved from
       http://www.howardgardner.com/docs/Can%20Technology%20
       Exploit%20Our%20Many%20Ways%20of%20Knowing.pdf

Morrison, G. R., & Lowther, D. L. (2010).  Integrating computer technology
       into the classroom: skills for the 21st century. (4th ed.). Boston:
       Pearson.