Technology in the classroom: distraction or learning tool?

Many people have their own opinions as to weather or not technology should be used in the classroom. One argument is that technology such as laptops are distracting. Teachers think students will simply use it to goof around, play games, and visit Facebook. They think its a distraction and that the students aren't really listening to what the teacher is saying. Another say that technology helps with the educational environment because when the teachers know how to incorporate it into their lessons it can be beneficial to the students and can actually help students succeed.

Personally I can see both sides to this subject. Since I enjoy technology I do like the idea of having access to it where ever I go, and man would I have been happy if when walking into my first class at UNI I was handed a laptop, maybe an ipad, or even a Kindle. That would have saved me a lot of money! Then again I also wonder how distracting that would be in the classroom. Not only for the students but also for the teacher. We all know that one student who comes in with their headphones so loud we can hear word for word what song they are listening too. Thats awkward enough. Imagine giving a lecture and all the students eyes are concentrating on one persons computer screen because the game the individual is playing is more exciting than what you have to say!

Either way there are a lot of different angles to look at this subject. Below are to articles that I would like you  to read. One is written by a teacher who banned lap top use from his college classroom. In this article he explains why he banned them and why he doesn't believe they are beneficial.


Con view of laptops in the classroom

The next article discusses how through technology and the use of lap tops a low income school was able to raise their students' performance and how it helped through out the school.

Pro View to laptops in the classroom

Lastly here is a video of a teacher discussing pros and cons of the 1:1 school, classroom management, and he has more videos on youtube for things such as how to in cooperate smart boards and the laptops into your classroom.



As you can see the argument as to why laptops should or should not be used in the classroom can go on forever, but in general technology is the way the world is going and at a very rapid rate. Since the students in todays world are more adapted to communicating through technology why not help them communicate more effectively in the way that they know best, technology. It's your call....



Image used with permission from pics4learning.com