Our technological world has been undergoing a constant change
and progression. Emerging technologies has continued
to change our educational landscape. The quick evolution of technology
is phenomenal and has been integrated within classrooms since its early stages
of lead pencils, papers, books, and ballpoint pens. Many people disregard these
tools as forms of technology simply because they cannot be plugged in to an
outlet. They were, however, the early stages of technology and are still used
today. Throughout history, the usage of pencil and paper dominated the English
classroom. Writing was used as the dominant form of communication; whether
writing a letter, recipe or simply working on class work and homework. I feel
that handwriting is still a powerful form of expression because people can get
creative in their journals. Handwriting is a form of art and increases
creativity. A child begins to use a pencil and paper when learning the
alphabets, its formation, as well as sounding out the letters. However, the
first teaching machines in 1958 were probably the most influential technology and
had the greatest impact within the English classroom during this time period. In
regards to spelling, it provides students with positive feedback for every
correct answer. Of course, there are always advantages as well as disadvantages
with every for of technology. Aside from the teaching machines being convenient
for both teachers and students, it does not, however, allow students to learn
to spell on their own. Today, we tend to use SpellCheck when we want to correct
our spelling and grammatical errors. Unfortunately, my spelling has not
improved in the last few years because I have relied on SpellCheck quite often.
The online article, “A Social
History of Media, Technology and Schooling” by Vanessa Domine explores
different research in regards to technology and literature in the classroom. Grace,
a veteran teacher who comes from a long line of teachers, says her mother said
the teaching machines benefited the English classroom and was “valuable when it
came to reinforcing spelling or teaching foreign language skills” (45). As
mentioned before, as well in the video, teaching machines were used for a means
of convenience for teachers and students. When a student needed extra practice
on spelling but the teacher did not have the time to have a one-on-one session,
she would allow that student to use the teaching machine. A passage in chapter
2 of Rethinking Technology in Schools states, “Teachers
who subscribe to this perspective acknowledge new media and technologies simply
as effective tools that aid the process of instruction and the communication of
information” (page 36). These teachers do not abuse the use of technology; they
do not allow technology to become the dominant tool of teaching. It should
never replace the need of a teacher in the classroom. It should only be used as
a motivational tool to increase students’ focus and learning.
Convenient, but lacks an intimate audience.
There needs to be some sort of
connection between teachers, students and technology within the classroom.
Students need to be able to know and understand what is going on beyond the
classroom. They need more experience and hands-on activities which is why
technology should be integrated within the curriculum. Nowadays, there are hundreds
of thousands of software to engage students in learning. For example, younger
children can use software or play games that help them with their spelling and
phonics, whereas teenagers and adults can listen to an audio book. It is a kind
of outside source that helps them become more motivated and engaged in their
education. It helps stimulate their minds. As an aspiring teacher, I would want
to give my students the best, and most productive and exciting lesson; I want
to teach and entertain! I want my students to actively participate in their
education. Technology will help increase their motivation for education and
also help it become an intrinsic pleasure. We want them to want to learn and
continue to want to learn after high school. Technology is emerging and we are
seeing its creations and uses everywhere we go, so it’s going to be hard not to
use it within an English classroom setting.
