Running head: SUMMARY & REFLECTION 7

Daniel Marruffo
05/25/2016
EDCI 413/516
Summary & Reflection 7
La Sierra University

Running head: SUMMARY & REFLECTION 7

Summary
This article explores the use and effectiveness of technology in the classroom. The
article asserts there are five major myths about technology integration in curriculum. The
first myth is that new technology is causing a revolution in education. Technology is
becoming foundational to the way society interacts and connects. Therefore, it logically
follows that technology can influence the way students learn in the classroom. The move
from more traditional forms of teaching to methods that include greater technology is not
as earth shattering as some would assume. Although students may be experienced with
certain technologies it is not the technology itself that determines the success of a student
in a classroom, rather a teachers effective integration and use of technology.
The second myth is that the Internet belongs in the classroom because it has
simply become part of the personal world children experience. The author suggests that
this assumption is flawed. Although technology is becoming more present in the
classroom, it does not mean students actually use the technology provided for them.
Children may use technology for socialization on Facebook, Instagram, or Snap Chat,
however it does not mean that they will use other forms of technology in the classroom.
The third myth is that todays digital natives are a new generation who want a
new style of education. Although this claim may have no real support or evidence to back
it up, the the authors suggests that this statement is more of a predication for what
technology can do if incorporated appropriately into the curriculum.
The fourth myth states that the Internet makes us dumber. In recent years there
has been a halt in a phenomenon called the Flynn Effect, which suggests that intelligence
scores have improved in the US over time. The natural assumption, based on higher

Running head: SUMMARY & REFLECTION 7

intelligence scores, is that children today are smarter than their parents and grandparents.
However this myth dismisses the Flynn Effects conclusions and suggests that technology
is making us dumber. A reversal of the Flynn Effect or IQ progression does not mean that
students are getting dumber. In fact, there are a large variety of variables, which impact
intelligence scores that are independent of technology that are not accounted for.
Therefore a generalized statement that suggests technology makes people dumb is
inaccurate and unfounded. Although technology cannot be blamed for making students
dumb, it is contributing to attention deficit issues among young people.
The fifth and final myth is that students dont read anymore. This myth is false. Is
was found that although students may not be picking up physical books to read, young
people are starting to read through different mediums of technology. It not only about
reading physical books, but the content that they find online provides valuable reading
material. Overall, these myths provide opportunities to evaluate technology and its
application in the classroom from different perspective that can ultimately help teachers
and educators understand how to appropriately and successfully implement technology
into the classroom.
De Bruyckere, P., Kirschner, P. A., & Hulshof, C. D. (2016). Technology in education:
what teachers should know. American Educator, 40(1), 12.

Running head: SUMMARY & REFLECTION 7

Reflection
I found this article to be extremely informative and straightforward. It not only
underscored the importance and significance of technology in our society, but also more
specifically in the classroom. I believe exploring five simple but important myths is
crucial to understand how technology can both positively and negatively impact students
today. Through the exploration of the downfalls of technology integration, educators can
learn how to adapt and adjust their curriculum to become more effective and successful
teachers.
Because this article was research centered, I feel that Ive gain a better and more
evidence based understanding of the realities of technology integration. Understanding
the strengths and shortcomings of technology is important because it will help equip me
to adapt and change my future curriculum to fit the needs of my students. Understanding
the barriers students may experience, will also allow me to become more intentional and
focused on the integration process of technology. If students are guided to the appropriate
use of technology, they can then use those same skills they learned in the classroom to
become more successful individuals in the future.