Technology in schools

Esty Turner Mrs. Manne English 9(4) 24 March 2011 Cool Tools for School Technological advancements have been as simple as the invention of the wheel to as complex as the invention of the automobile. Scientific advancement and technological breakthroughs have been a part of societies across the world. Tools that people created throughout the ages have been put to use by people of various professions. Scientists, doctors, lawyers and countless others in different lines of work have utilized the benefits of technology. The use of computers and other technological advances has not been limited to just the corporate world.

The education community has seized the opportunity to make teaching and learning more fun and productive with the beneficial addition of learning tools such as video chatting, the Internet, Smartboards, and computers. Technology in schools is beneficial because video chatting or video conferencing allows students and teachers to connect and discuss issues from all over the world. Some students live far away from their peers and may need to work on a project together. Video chatting allows students to not only talk to each other but to see each other.

If students are working on a project and need to see the actual item, video chatting is very helpful. Video chatting is also helpful if students would like to study together but are unable to meet. Teachers can also use video chatting to communicate with other teachers from around the world to share ideas on education and possibly introduce the class to new foreign pen pals. Video chatting has given children the chance to meet children from different cities, states or even countries (Bennetts). In addition to video chatting, the Internet has made a huge impact on educators and education alike.

The Internet allows to people to research topics at blazingly fast speeds. Search engines on the Internet such as Google, Yahoo, and Ask, offer millions of sources to use for research. The Internet also has news websites that can inform its users of breaking news, even before it is printed in the newspaper. This allows students, teachers, or anyone for that matter, to important information they may need to know Likewise technology in school has produced a new type of white board called a Smartboard. A Smartboard allows students to get involved in the teacher’s lesson as well as interact with the items being displayed on the board.

With the Smartboard in the classrooms, teachers are able to assign projects that students can display on the touch-screen board. Smartboards also allow teachers to show educational videos and other educational tools pulled directly from the Internet. The time wasting hassle of setting up a projector and hanging up a screen by hand is no longer needed since the Smartboards projector connects directly to the computer. A yearlong study by teachers in the Memphis, Tennessee school concluded that students were able to understand mathematical concepts quicker with the addition of Smartboards (Nash).

Along with video chatting and Smartboards, computers have made a significant difference in the world of education. Computers have allowed students and teachers to do research much faster and much more efficiently; As a result, students are able to manage their time better. Candice Dodson said in the article, “… type in ‘ Eskimo’ and ‘ fifth -grade lesson’ and a huge amount of resources come up” (“ Computers”). Computers also allow students to type assignments, which makes things neater and better looking. Typing also allows student to have a timesaving substitute to handwriting.

With the time saved, students can focus on other homework that has been assigned. In addition, computers (just like Smartboards) also engage the students in learning and make them able to connect to the lesson immediately. Teachers do not have to worry about losing students attention because the learning materials can be brought up right on the spot (“ Computers”). As stated by Leslie Bennnetts in the article, “ Many schools around the nation are using computers to make schoolwork exciting and challenging rather than tedious” (Bennnetts).

The additions of video chatting, Smartboards, and computers have been very valuable to the field of education. Smartboards have allowed students to interact with the lesson they are being taught. Additionally, video chatting has revolutionized the way students from different areas communicate. Last, but certainly not least, computers have changed the way people write and research material. As the author stated in the article “ [Programs like these]…demonstrate the potential that technology has to make education more effective, engaging, and relevant” (Bennetts).

Teachers and students will forever be grateful for the advent and use of these devices. Works Cited Bennetts, Leslie. “ Computers Can Make Students More Interested In Learning. ” FamilyPC 8 (May2001): 76. Rpt in Computers and Education. Ed. James D. Torr. San Diego: Greenhaven Pres, 2003. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. “ Computers in Classrooms Can Increase Learning. ” Has Technology Increased Learning? Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 1 Feb. 2011. Nash, Susan Smith. “ Children Are Technologically Skilled. ” Technology and Society. Ed. David Haugen and Susan Musser. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. Parmer, Paisley. ” The Effects of Smart Boards on Student Learning | EHow. com. ” EHow | How To Do Just About Everything! | How To Videos & Articles | EHow. com. Demand Media Inc. , 01 Apr. 2010. Web. 17 Mar. 2011. .