Emerging Technologies: 1900's-present

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.