Entry 2: Technology to Enhance Instruction

Integrating Instructional Technology

Technology tools will be used to enhance the students learning by integrating them into
the lessons and giving the students access to their own devices. These classroom activities will
comply with the ISTE standard that states, Students will demonstrate a sound understanding of
technology concepts, systems, and operations.Select and use applications effectively and
productively. (International Society for Technology in Education, 2007). The students will
learn to use laptops for research and skill development. IPads will be implemented to provide
support material. Also, SMART Boards will be used to enhance lessons and provide hands-on
opportunities for the students to take part in the lessons. The goal of implementing this
technology is to teach the students how to become information and technologically literate in
preparation to join todays workforce.
Individual Laptops
The classroom will have access to individual laptops for one period per day that can be
used for whichever subject is chosen. Studies have found that students who use laptops for their
school work have higher tests scores and a better attitude toward their school work (Kposowa,
2013). For this reason, the laptops will be included for writing, research, and math development.
The class will develop their language arts skills by using the laptops to write journal entries that
will be saved throughout the year and be used to track the students progress. The laptops will
also be used for researching topics in social studies and science; the students will also be asked
to collaborate on their research. The students will be given limited, supervised time to play math

games, such as Math Blaster, to give them engaging math lessons on their skill level in the form
of a video game.

SMART Board
The SMART Board is an advanced piece of technology that is capable of providing
interactive learning for the students. Research has shown that these boards have positive impact
on elementary students math scores (May, 2014). The students will be able to literally take part
in the lesson by touching the board, either with their hands or a SMART Maker, and have the
board respond to them. The SMART Board will be used to present the lessons, whether by
lecture or a presentation, then the students may come to the board individually or in groups to
demonstrate what they have learned. For example, our lessons on multiplication will be taught
by showing building blocks on the board. The students will be able to come up to the board and
move around the blocks to see and experience how multiplication works.
iPads
The students will have access to iPads, which will be pre-customized with the material
and apps appropriate for their level. With the use of the iPad, the students will be able to select
resource material to go along with the classs lessons, such as extra reading on a subject, videos,
and games. There is also an option on the iPad that allows different apps to be loaded into a file
for each student to fit the educational needs and track their progress (Powell, 2014). The apps
that are chosen will align with the Common Core Standards and will help keep students current
with their grade level requirements.
Pros and Cons of using Technology to Facilitate Learning

Unfortunately, technology in the classroom can open the door for distraction instead of
education through misuse. Students could veer off their assigned subjects and visit webpages or
play games not intended for them, which will causes distractions for the other students learning
(Nworie, 2008). However, the students will be taught proper internet use and there will be
limited time that is monitored to minimize any type of misconduct on the internet. The class will
also use the buddy system in which students will be asked to remind their classmates to stay on
task if they see someone visiting site unintended for them. The goal of integrating technology in
this class is to enhance student learning through hands on lessons and collaborative study.
The positive outcomes of technology in the classroom are higher tests scores and more
student involvement (Kaposowa, 2013). The students are more engaged and take a more active
role in their education when they are given the opportunity to use hands-on technology.
Technology also gives them an outlet through which to express their creativity. Furthermore, the
technology in the classroom prepares them for the future because the jobs of tomorrow will
require a more information and telecommunication smart generation to fulfill its workforce
demands (Gordon, 2011).
Wired and Wireless Classrooms
A wired classroom is a room that is connected to the internet and a wireless classroom is
one that incorporates wireless devices (Gunter, Gunter, Shelly, 2012). The drawbacks to every
student being connected to the internet and each one having a wireless device in their hand can
be distraction, unwanted sites being visited, and an invitation to viruses. However, if the
students use the equipment properly, they all will have the advantage of taking learning into their
own hands. The goal of integrating technology is to create engaging lessons that the students
will want to take part it by using their own devices.

Conclusion
Technology integration is the next step in education and it is the goal of this classroom to
provide the students with the tools needed to better enhance their education. The students will
feel empowered and active in their education while using the devices and taking part in the
lessons. The technology will expand their imagination and bring them to a better level of
understanding the subjects. The SMART Board, laptops, and iPads are just the beginning of
including technology to enhance instruction in this classroom.

References:
Gunter G., Gunter R., Shelly G. (2012). Teachers Discovering Computers Integrating
Technology in a Connected World. Boston, MA: Course Technology.
Gordon, D. (2011). Return to Sender. T.H.E. Journal, 38(3), 30-32,.
http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/lo
gin.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ922300&site=eds-live&scope=site
International Society for Technology in Education (2007). ISTE Standards for Students.
http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-S_PDF.pdf
Kposowa, A. J., & Valdez, A. D. (2013). Student Laptop Use and Scores on Standardized Tests.
Journal Of Educational Computing Research, 48(3), 345-379. doi:10.2190/EC.48.3.d
http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/lo
gin.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=88937557&site=eds-live&scope=site
May, P. (2014). Effectiveness of SMART Board Use in the Teaching and Learning of Statistics.
Electronic Journal Of Mathematics & Technology, 8(1), 43-52.
http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/lo
gin.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=95476093&site=eds-live&scope=site
Nworie, J., & Haughton, N. (2008). Good Intentions and Unanticipated Effects: The Unintended
Consequences of the Application of Technology in Teaching and Learning

Environments. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 52(5),

52-58. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0197-y
http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/lo
gin.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=34729474&site=eds-live&scope=site

Powell, S. (2014). Choosing iPad Apps With a Purpose: Aligning Skills and Standards. Teaching
Exceptional Children, 47(1), 20-26. doi:10.1177/0040059914542765
http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/lo
gin.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=97425014&site=eds-live&scope=site
Smarttech.com. (2013). SMART Board 885ix2. Retrieved from
http://downloads01.smarttech.com/media/sitecore/en/pdf/brochures/sbiw/sb885ix2_fact_s
heet_may2014.pdf
iPad in Education. (2014). A World of Content. Retrieved from
https://www.apple.com/education/ipad/in-the-classroom/