Week 5 Reflection- Chapter 3 Application Questions
In chapter 3 of Reiser & Dempsey, they pose a scenario where students and teachers are provided with laptops and unlimited internet access. In this scenario, findings indicated that the technology had little impact on the classroom environment. There are a few reasons why a situation like this may exist.
One reason may be that the teachers were not provided with the proper training to administer the programs in their classrooms. Without the necessary training, teachers can be come overwhelmed and frustrated trying to implement the technology in their classrooms. The teachers may also feel like the new program is more of a burden than a benefit.
Another reason the program may have had little impact is because of the lack of interest. If the "new" program merely consists of adding digital versions of the already used textbook onto the computer, what difference does it really make? Students and teachers will loose interest quickly because it is the same material presented on a screen instead of in a book.
On top of little training, and only a small difference in curriculum, another problem with the scenario could be that it has a low impact because the technology is already over used. Most students today already have internet access in their homes and schools and have one, if not many personal computers. The websites and programs students use in their free time far eclipses the digital text book.
One solution the school in this scenario could be to pump up their new plan with other programs and software, outside of the traditional textbook (digital or not). By using other options like videos, simulations and virtual tours, instructors can reach multiple learning styles, and hold student interest.
Most importantly for a program like the one proposed in the scenario to succeed, teacher training is essential. Teachers need to be given the proper tools to implement technology in the classroom. Without training and support teachers will also loose interest before students are even able to get a feel for the program. Giving training and technical support will help put less pressure on teachers to learn something new and help teachers that are less tech-savvy get on the right track.
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