Teach English in Zhanghuang Zhen - Jining Shi

Technology in classrooms today can take many forms from mobile phones to 3d printers and VR goggles. But has this made learning a better or worse experience for the student and teacher? This brief discussion will present both sides of this argument in the hope of an answer. In the last 20-30 years there has been a boom in the amount of new tech in classrooms across the world. This ranges from computers, tablets, phones, interactive whiteboards, digital cameras, VR goggles and 3D printing just to name a few. As with all tech this has come at a price. There are as many negatives as positives when it comes to the arguments for and against and whether or not this is a good or bad thing in terms of learning. Looking at the pros first: Increased engagement as students are enthusiastic about using tech in the classroom. The subject matter in lessons is fresh and up to date. Computers allow for a more cooperative and collaborative approach to group tasks and projects, and previously shy, reluctant students seem keen to take part. It allows students to provide feedback on course materials and assignments and facilitate discussions about them. Tech based apps allow for students to work at their own pace. Personalised apps can recognise when a student is struggling with a particular lesson and adjust to provide more explanation or more interactivity, whilst more advanced students can move on to more complex discussions on the same subject. It then allows students to submit their work electronically. As for the teacher it allows instant monitoring of students progress and activity and the ability to “look in” and interact with the student in a one on one basis. Data analysis programs and apps can point out individual students who may be struggling with a lesson and allow teachers to tailor learning to suit or point out strengths and weaknesses in individuals. Not all students learn at the same pace. Teachers can instruct students about inappropriate content, unreliable sources and online etiquette before bad habits become entrenched. It has allow for new methods of teaching such as flipped classrooms and gamification. In addition tech can automate or simplify the process of grading and marking, sending letters to parent and students, end of term/year assessments, lesson planning and more. It prepares the student to take an active part in the digital world in which they will play a part when they leave school and enter the work place. Other advantages include virtual field trips where students can visit the pyramids via a VR headset and having guest speakers via video link who may be giving a talk to several classes in several schools at the same time. Finally, students spread out over vast distances can come together in a virtual classroom at home via a computer and school network and study as if they were in a real class with a real teacher, as in Australia’s "School of the air” program previously done by radio. Of course there are cons: probably the biggest and most vocally protested con is distraction and loss of focus. Students can be easily diverted from the task at hand to other less productive things like watching you tube, texting friends, playing games etc when the teachers attention is elsewhere. Cheating is another big problem as plaigerism and having other students do essays for them for money become commonplace. Messages from phone to phone during exams can also be an issue. Social interaction is also impacted. You can walk around any playground in a secondary school that allows phones and see most students sitting fiddling with their phones instead of talking or playing with fellow students or friends. Tech also gives anyone access to less desirable sites, bogus sources of information, and on line bullying, a major problem in Australia. There is a sociological issue too. Not all students will have the same tech in a BYOD (bring you own device) school. This invites ridicule and belittlement from other students of wealthier families who can afford expensive or the latest gear. Tech can also make learning more labour intensive for the teacher as they become first point of contact for the students tech problems in the classroom such as batteries and internet reliability. A loss of respect can be caused here if the teacher is seen as less tech savvy than students. Teachers may also need to attend training seminars to learn how school networking and school issued computers work. In BYOD schools teachers may need to be familiar with different software platforms such as Android, Ios and Linux. There are also physical effects such as eyestrain from the blue wavelength from screens to overstimulation resulting in poor concentration, bad behaviour and sleep habits. There is also an argument that students writing and basic learning is affected as different parts of the brain are used for different tasks. There are many other cons such as IT support in schools, Insufficient training for teachers, lack of incentive for teachers to incorporate tech into their lessons, and internet speed and available bandwidth to schools play their part. In summary there are strong emotive arguments for having high tech devices in the hands of students in the classroom. These vary from the positives such as giving high needs or disabled students a chance to participate in classes to the negatives such as the rise of online bullying between students some of which have had tragic consequences. There seems to be a consensus slowly emerging that tech is just a tool. Something to be used to enhance and engage rather than replace. Moderation and close monitoring of the use of devices appears to be the key. Regardless of which side of the fence you are on one thing is for certain. Tech in classrooms is here to stay and will only increase over the next few years with new innovations coming on to the market.