Chapter 3 Reflections: Digital Tools in Today's Classrooms

Reflecting on What I Know

Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?

Technology is advancing in the classrooms of schools to enhance learning.  Technology has allowed teachers more resources to enhance lessons and assignments in the classroom while creating a fun and positive learning environment for students.  Technology has helped engage students in the classroom and outside of the classroom.  Technology in the classroom is constantly changing but it is important for teachers' to use all resources available to them in the classroom.  It is important for teachers' to understand how all technology tools work in order to use them fully to their advantage.  This is one of the reason's that many websites post reviews on technology tools used in the classrooms and software programs available to educators.  One great tool in the classroom is the SmartBoards.  It can be used in so many different ways beneficial to students and teachers.  It also helps teachers' engage their students by creating activities in the classroom.  Another great reason of using the SmartBoard is that it allows the teacher to create a lesson plan in less time because the teacher can get most of the graphics and resources from the SmartBoard.

Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?

Mobile devices in the classroom allow the teacher and students more flexibility.  Mobile devices today perform many of the same functions as desktop computers making them more efficienent.  Many students are exposed to mobile devices outside of school with things such as ipods, mp3 players, laptops, cameras, and cell phones.  Teachers realize that mobile devices are a tool of convenence in society.  This allows teachers and students to use mobile devices for educational purposes.  A teacher can use a desktop computer in her classroom but the use is limited because she can not move it all over the school.  If she has a laptop she can move her students to areas such as the library or outside for a lesson.  Allowing mobile devices is helpful to teachers, engages students in the classroom and outside of the classroom, and creates a classroom that is grasping the technological advances in the global world.

How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?

When looking to justify the cost of digital devices that perform limited things one great aspect is to look at the NETS and the NCSCOS to see how it would benefit the students.  The teacher and educator will put a value on the technology it advances to students and the learning capability of using the device as a tool.