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I have recently started substitute teaching and work in a wide variety of classrooms. Many of these classes are equipped with an iPad or laptop for every child. While I can see the benefit of using technology for learning purposes, I am wondering if it causes more harm than good? For example, I often catch students off task when they are supposed to be using this technology for an assignment. They are doing things like listening to music, taking pictures of themselves, or playing games. Is this shift towards a more technologically-based classroom really better than the good old fashioned way of learning? Or is it creating even bigger problems?

It is not really causing more problems than existed before, just new ones!!!

Hailee, I too am quite concerned about the over reliance of technology in our classrooms. Yes, there are some benefits, but what is lost? We need more research in this area. I do not think that we have thought about how the iPad changes so much of everyday learning and classroom dynamics.

I am also concerned since our school might have I-pads or Chromebooks next year.

To me allowing electronics that are not cellular phones into the schools is just setting the stage for ultimately distraction and misuse of the purpose of the electronic. Sure there are multiples ways of blocking student from accessing the internet or certain site; but lets be honest student now and day are much more technologically savvy and have many ways to find their way around the system. It does not surprise me though how blind legislature are about permitting BOD, they still can't seem to figure out what they want to use as an assessment to go along with the common care. Yet care about the sanity and economical status of us teachers. As seeing that BOD is going to be implemented soon, i only question what will happen to those students who can't afford an electronic device or urban school that barely have any technological resources provided by the county? Best said has No Child Left Behind been considered? I mean it does clearly state all children have the right to an appropriate education, so how is this possible when some children don't have the luxury to even carry around a number 2 pencil?

Hi Hailee, I think there are definitely valid arguments to both sides of this issue. Now that schools are allowing students to bring in technology it gives the teacher one more job to do. As teachers we must find ways to make it so that the technology is used as a tool rather than a burden. My outlook is that since schools will eventually be letting students use technology we should start adjusting to working with it. While an iPad can bring distractions into a class, it can also bring a wealth of information that was not previously available. Giving students tasks that are interesting it them will help to keep them on task. Also, it will be essential to set up a system for managing your class while they are using technology. I suggest implementing rules that say that the devise needs to be on top of the desk and visible or only one tab to be open. When students are using the technology monitor them closely to discourage any site browsing. Finally, remind students that the technology should only be used at designated times when called for by the teacher. I hope this advice helps. Jessica Bauer

Hello Hailee : I understand why you are concern with too much technology been use in class because probably you feel computers, iPad and cell phones are a big distraction for students ; But you have to see the positive side of things.Computers and iPad in the classrooms can be very helpful in the students educations . As we are inform in the Internet there are many educational games and websites that teach about everything relate to science and other subjects . At the same time I do believe this technology equipments when are use in schools should be use only for educational purpose ,any other site not relate to school purpose should be block so the students would not be able to use it for their personal use .

I love the discussion topic and responses thus far! I have always been one to want to wrap my hands around the newest, latest technology. Like anything else, it must be used and not abused. This reminds me of our tried and true definition of technology: a tool that is designed and created so that it can be used to solve a problem. Even pencil and paper can be useful or misused in a classroom. Like everything else, we teachers need to set the parameters, explain how to appropriately use the day's technology, and then allow our students to become actively and genuinely engaged in learning and understanding science using the tools they are most familiar with - and it's not a pencil! Just one opinion :-) Carolyn

I think there are positive and negative ideas about technology. I think it can be a great resources and help teachers show students more than they previously had. Unfortunately I think our younger generations rely on technology a lot and I don't know how healthy that is. Children are using I-pads and cell phones at such a young age now. But does this mean that they will be more interested and engaged? I think we need to teach to the student needs but I don't know if this is really the appropriate students needs we need to teach too. I definitely think there are mixed feelings about this situation.

Hi Hailee, I also worry about this issue! In my current placement (5th grade) I have caught a few students off task on their ipads, but it was much less that I anticipated. I think one key aspect of using ipads is that students must be held accountable for their time spent using technology. Unfortunately as a substitute teacher we don't have as many opportunities to monitor student work and discipline those who are off task.

Hi all-

This is a very interesting, and very relevant conversation for this 'era' in teaching, isn't it?! I accepted a new position in my district this year, and am now a technology integration specialist. I came from teaching in a 4th/5th grade classroom with 1:1 devices (Chromebooks), and this year I see everything from the NO technology zones, to classrooms that have every imaginable emerging technology there is to have. What I notice is that the technology itself does not matter as much as the management that is set up to run it. The teachers who have very clear expectations and provice explicit instruction on how the devices (whatever they may be) are to be used, and more specifically not to be used, have the most success. I have worked closely with a first grade teacher who has had incredible success implementing 1:1 iPad in her classroom. Her students' successes this year have far exceeded those of her grade-level partners'... and I thing that therein lies the major downside. At this point in educational technology, the inequity in opportunity is huge. Those with access to the tools and the training/support and ability to really successfully use them are able to do things that other teachers simply can't do. For example, differentiation of instruction is much easier when one can customize an enrichment activity, a supplemental task, or an intervention tool. Again, though, it comes down to management; a 'differentiated' activity in a chaotic classroom just looks like more chaos.

It will be intersting to see how curricula (ex: Project Lead the Way) that embrace technology change the educational landscape in the next few years! Good luck muddling your way through this topic!

I am a very old school person but I feel I understand why we have technology in the classroom. Many children need to learn how to use it since in the adult world, these things are all we use for class, work, and even our own personal life. The thing is to set rules when using technology. You have to set a time when it is time to learn and time to play. They can get time to play only if the whole lesson is finished. You can use the technology as a reward system. If you see someone off task, take them off the i-pad for a certain amount of time, if they are repeat offenders then take them off for a day and take away 5-min from recess since they cannot get it together and focus. We really need to set expectations when handling laptops, computer, and i-pads. We also have to teach them how to properly use them. I've seen many kids drop i-pads and laptops and not even flinch or try to prevent from doing it again. Technology isn't going anywhere, so we need make sure we keep up.

I agree with Stephanie. We are preparing children for the adult world and schools are wanting to integrate technology whenever it is possible. I am also surprised that I have not seen more students off task. Maybe it is just because it is the first few weeks of school and they do not want to get in trouble. I also agree with the other comments, some students will always find a way to be off task, these are just new ways. I actually think more students stay on task using the iPads.

This is a great debate, and I have taught enough professional development classes on BYOD [bring your own device] and tech in the classroom that I can argue either side all day long. We DO lose touch time, direct instruction, classroom management, and the comfort of the known when we try to infuse technology in our classrooms. But we cannot deny that access to information and the ability to both digest and create digital media with our students is changing how our classrooms, school day and school paradigm is structured. Adam Bellow is a rabid proponent of technology in the classroom. The video below is a condensed version of his much longer keynote from 2011. Even if you do not agree with his point of view, you will be left thinking....it is worth watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vevGmzmWnI " target="_blank">Adam Bellow's speech

I believe the use of technology is a great tool to incorporate into the classroom.

As a student teacher in a private school for students with disabilities my school thrives on technology for students. However, I've come across a lot of difficulties with technology over the past several months (I used to think I was great with technology). Often times I find that our Kindles or iPads aren't always updated. Teachers take these technology resources, use them, but don't really care for them. I think I wouldn't have as many issues with the use of the Kindles and iPads in the classroom if I didn't spend so much time loading up books, new apps, or making sure the software is up to date. While technology is awesome and it's mind blowing to see how the students use it, it's important to have someone that is dedicated to keeping up with the devices so that teachers are actually able to use them. However, some positive things I've noticed about technology in the classroom; students are more receptive to activities if they can be plugged in and I've seen better quality work being submitted. Another thing is my students are so up to date with technology and how the devices work that they don't really need a background on the app or device they are using. They know exactly how to use it, what resources/apps they need to access, and off they go!

I am definitely all for the use of technology in classrooms. I personally feel that if done right technology can keep students focused for a longer period of time. However, don't just give students simple games or boring things to do on devices instead look for meaningful tasks for them to complete. For example, interactive labs for science would be great if you don't get to do labs in the classroom. Students are engaged and excited about learning. You are definitely preparing students for the future because technology is all around us and it has become almost necessary to know how to use it!

Technology is evolving, and as teachers finding the appropriate use of technology and implementing it in classrooms can be a tool to guide children in the direction of success. I believe if you incorporate the technology correctly and it serves a purpose then it should be used. As a teacher, you want to make sure what you have students use technology for is meaningful and engaging. I am a currently a student teacher, and in my field placement I have seen students use technology such as laptops and IPads. The students are not using the technology to kill time, but rather they are continuing their learning by what the teacher has them doing with the technology. Purposefully planning what the students will be doing with the technology they use can positively impact the students learning.

Technology is evolving, and as teachers finding the appropriate use of technology and implementing it in classrooms can be a tool to guide children in the direction of success. I believe if you incorporate the technology correctly and it serves a purpose then it should be used. As a teacher, you want to make sure what you have students use technology for is meaningful and engaging. I am a currently a student teacher, and in my field placement I have seen students use technology such as laptops and IPads. The students are not using the technology to kill time, but rather they are continuing their learning by what the teacher has them doing with the technology. Purposefully planning what the students will be doing with the technology they use can positively impact the students learning.