Tangie Williams

Starstudentsroom107.weebly.com
EDU-225
March 8, 2015

Entry 2: Technology to Enhance Instruction

Integrating Instructional Technology
Integrating instruction in the classroom has become a way of teaching in todays classrooms. It
has caught the eye of many teachers worldwide, and has been known to brighten the student
morale of learning in all areas. There are many tech devices that can be used to instruct in the
classroom. Technology can be used in the classroom to teach students that are diverse learners,
as well as the student learning on a higher level. Statistics have shown that Interactive
educational environments can offer students chances for flexibility, interaction and collaboration
distinctly different from face-to-face learning environments (International Journal of Education
& Development using Information & Communication Technology. 2014, Vol. 10 Issue 4, p93101. 9p.).
The Smart board
This piece of technology is used in many classrooms today. It is another tool that can be hooked
to the class computer and the images can be projected onto the smart board. Smart boards allow
teachers to use interactive presentations with their class. Teachers are able to make notes on the
smart boards, highlight information, browse through different applications, and print out content
to give to students. Depending on grade, teachers can be very creative in implementing their
instruction to make it engaging for students (ehow.com). I would use it in my classroom to have

interactive experiences with letters, numbers, colors, and various things to teach preschool aged
children.

LCD Projector
An LCD projector is another tool that can be used in the classroom. It can be used to share
slideshows of pictures, videos, or a lesson prepared by the teacher. Lessons prepared can be
displayed on the projector to engage students and no pen and paper is necessarily needed unless
the teacher wants to. Pictures captured on a field trip or outing used for a lesson being taught can
be displayed on the projector to assist in the lesson. Teachers can also use this to show the class
whats been captured without them knowing it. Pictures that have been taken or videos recorded
of them can be shown and it excites them to see themselves on the big screen. Research has
proven that this generation of students responds to a technology based approach( International
Journal of Education & Development using Information & Communication Technology. 2014,
Vol. 10 Issue 4, p21-30. 10ph). I would use it for the many reasons mentioned above. I would
like for the class to see images of themselves interacting that they didnt know I was capturing. I
would also like to provide lessons for them to engage in without using a single pen or paper. This
would be strictly a group setting activity that required your thinking cap, and attention.

Digital Camera
A digital camera is almost necessary to have in a classroom. This tool is used to capture photos,
and still videos. When you are out as a group on a field trip, or just in the class you can capture
photos or videos of your students and then display them through your LCD projector. Students
like to see themselves in action doing work, or building something with a friend. This adds

excitement and interaction with students to tap into their social/emotional aspects, and it can be a
confidence builder. In my classroom, I would take photos of students interacting in their centers
when they didnt know so they can be surprised when viewing it. I would put them on the
projector to see their smiles and excitement to see themselves in action.

All students learn differently. Some learn better being instructed one on one, in a group setting,
or learning interactively. All students arent auditory learners and may have to read things quietly
to get a full understanding. This is one reason why there are pros and cons to using technology in
the classroom. Some studies have shown that students with disabilities may or may not respond
to interactive learning styles. Studies done by nurse practitioners showed students with
disabilities at times need one on one interaction (Weber, Scott. Journal of the American
Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Nov2005, Vol. 17 Issue 11, p451-451. 1p. DOI: 10.1111/j.17457599.2005.00081.x) Some pros include student engagement, hands on learning without using
pen and paper, and using technology as a secondary form of teaching. Some cons are less
interaction with students, no group activity, and less note taking. I will definitely use technology
in my classroom, and feel that all the cons that have been found can still be used in secondary
form of teaching. Note taking can still be used as well as group activity. I believe that its up to
the teacher to provide those things during their interactive settings. I can still engage students and
make it hands on activity with material gathered prior to lesson.

A wired versus wireless classroom is basically the deciding factor of if certain technology can be
used in your classroom. Having a wireless classroom can keep you from using certain
technology such as a smartboard. This is one con of having a wireless setup. You may encounter

some schools that are not advanced in technology, and as teachers we have to be creative. Be
able to use material that we have and make it work for our class is something many teachers
face. One pro from this situation is that we can still take pictures, but cant present them on a
projector but can show on camera digitally. A huge con for teachers is that they are limited as to
what they can do for secondary education practices. Not having a wireless connection for me
would of course limit my tools, but wouldnt keep me from providing fulfilling material to my
students. Writing grants in preparation to attempt to have wireless services is something I would
do. I would use movement in the classroom to keep the kids engaged and interested in what we
are learning.
Technology is a tool used worldwide to communicate in classrooms and socially. It can be used
as a secondary form of communication when teaching or conversing with others. Teachers today
have used technology as a form of interacting with students to engage them in the learning
process as it relates to education. Integrating instruction in the classroom has become a way of
teaching. It is a secondary form that many teachers are choosing to use to make their curriculum
more inviting. Tools such as smart boards and LCD projectors to name a few are very popular in
the classroom. Becoming a teacher and using a secondary form of education is something I look
forward to in my classroom. Keeping students engaged is my first priority, and technology is
something I will use in the years to come!

References:
International Journal of Education & Development using Information & Communication
Technology. 2014, Vol. 10 Issue 4, p93-101. 9p.).

International Journal of Education & Development using Information & Communication

Technology. 2014, Vol. 10 Issue 4, p21-30. 10ph)

Weber, Scott. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Nov2005, Vol. 17
Issue 11, p451-451. 1p. DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2005.00081.x)

Ehow.com