Teachers, what are your opinions of classroom technology?

Question

What kinds of technology do you use? If you don't use it, why not? What kinds of problems have you encountered? How do you see it affecting the educational process?

Answer 1

I think that classroom technology is a good thing, however there isn't enough training on how to use it effectively... so it ends up as a brilliant idea with horrible execution.

I use a lot of PowerPoint and United Streaming. It keeps the students engaged and excited. I haven't encountered any problems because I have a high level of technological literacy.

I think, when used correctly, it can enhance a student's learning experience.

I also think people assume technology can eventually replace educators. It can't.

Answer 2

I think there is plenty of money for technology and the technology is getting to the classrooms. However:

Need help working it? Afraid not, nobody was hired for that.

Need extra consumables? Oops, not in the budget either. Go spend your own money to get the toner/printer cartridges/paper that you need to continue to use the technology.

I use mainly a 36 inch TV attached to a VCR and a computer via an Averkey. I show mainly Powerpoints and documentaries on it.

The OTHER problems I have seen deal with kids on computers. The powers that be want us to have the kids do research on the Internet. But do the powers that be give us the tools to keep them from sites we don't want them to reach? No. And we are still held responsible if they do.

I just think it will make the educational system flow faster. Eveything I do on Powerpoint I can do on the chalkboard and laminated pictures. However, I can't do it nearly as fast!

Answer 3

I use LCD projectors to show videos and Power Point Presentations. I've also used overheads, data projectors, and computers. If my school had smart boards or tablets, I'd use those, too. I teach a film course and one problem I encountered was kids knocking the speakers and dvd player off of the cart--velcro solved that. A couple of times, the sound was really sketchy coming from the projector or speakers and I cleaned out the fan and it worked fine after that. Just make sure you check the technology ahead of time to ensure that it's working properly. Check your cables and have a backup plan in mind, just in case it doesn't work for some reason. I absolutely love doing WebQuests with students because it lets them discover the information instead of me giving it all to them (I teach high school English). They really like it, too, because they are directed AND they are discovering information themselves. I try to use technology as often as possible. When it's not necessary, I don't use it. Don't use technology just to say you did. Keep the student needs in mind and what your lesson requires. It's not always the best to use technology if something else can work just as well or better.

Answer 4

It would be great if we had the money to buy the computers/laptops, smart-boards, etc. There is also the problem of training . Do it when?? At 7 AM before the kids come in or 4 PM when you are wiped out? Some day there will be too many kids and not enough school so kids will have to be taught at home through technology. If we live that long with the outlook on global warming. Sorry to be so pessimistic but its been along day teaching.

Answer 5

I have the following equipment in my classroom:
desktop PC
laptop
3-D projection device
Net TV
Internet Access
interactive white board
CPS - classroom performance system
DVD player
VCR
Channel One TV
laser disk player

I have had training on all equipment. I use some of it everyday and other pieces from time to time depending on the curriculum.

Problems I have encountered include:
server down, no Internet available.
light bulbs burning out.
limited classroom space.
multiple cords causing potential hazards.

Students enjoy the technology and it opens the door to a variety of methods and student products. However, as with anything, it quickly loses its novelty.

Answer 6

I completely disagree with instructors spreading their political theory to pupils. i've got not got a difficulty with a instructor debating, theorizing, and coaching approximately politics as long as that's balanced. Politics is a very very own, rather charged section that would deeply disillusioned some persons. I certainly have had instructors attack pupils using fact of their political ideals it is not ok below any condition. i do no longer want every person to think of that i do no longer consider politics being taught. i like it whilst straightforward colleges have the mock elections and that stuff. I only hate it whilst instructors positioned this form of slant on a edge, difficulty, or perception. I had serious problems with a professor in college who might purely sell their perception and not enable others to speak. This become an international relatives path, its all approximately diverse positions. to boot, to viewing the international blatantly one way he took it a number of steps further. He might even grade people who disagreed with him decrease. for my section (and others) this would properly be far too plenty: their have been lawsuits made and an study. I only think of that there are good and undesirable procedures to communicate politics.

Answer 7

I'm lucky. Our Ninth graders each have a laptop (through a grant, they don't take home). I have almost gone paper-less in my class. I use Sparknotes to read "Romeo and Juliet" and homework is e-mailed to me. One problem...if the inter-net is down, it is tough to go back to "the old way".

Answer 8

I use the TV/DVD set. I find it hard to accommodate for other equipment, since they are so time-consuming and scarce.