Technology in the Classroom: Pros and Cons

Technology will be in the classroom (because of students) whether teachers incorporate it into lessons or not. Why not embrace it? Although technology can be intimidating, it is still very important to use when it can enhance lessons. Below I have listed some pros and cons. Even though there are negative aspects (everything has cons), I believe the pros outweigh the cons! Also, there are always ways to "beat" or overcome the cons!

Pros:

1. The Internet is great for research (student and teacher).

2. A classroom website is a great place to keep parents and students in the "know" about what is going on in school and in the classroom.

3. The Internet makes it easy for anyone to log on and take a test.

4. There are educational computer "video games"

5. Social networking can be useful in classrooms to connect students to students, students to teachers, teachers to parents, and parents to students. An example is NING.com.

6. Different study guides and homework help is available online.

7. It allows students to go above and beyond just learning from the textbook.

8. Technology can connect people from all over the world.

9. Technology can be used to enhance to regular lessons.

10. Students love the newest technology such as text messaging and social networking. Students will appreciate a teacher's willingness to learn about and incorporate things they like into the classroom.

Cons:

1. Equipment and software costs can be high.

2. There is so much technology out there (and new things are created each day). Teachers need to be willing to learn.

3. Websites can be biased and/or inaccurate

4. Students can now plagiarize more easily by just copying and pasting.

5. Some technology (especially iPods and cell phones) make it easier for students to cheat inside the classroom

6. Some students might not have access to computers or the Internet at home for assignments or research.

7. Technology can mess up sometimes, so be prepared for anything.

8. Answers are easily accessible. This lets students get away with not having to think for themselves sometimes.

9. Students will need supervision while using the Internet at school.

10. Some classrooms are not equiped with technology including the "basics" like a computer. I had a class at Georgia State University (Kell Hall) last semester and the classroom did not have a computer or any new technology. The only thing it had was an old school projector!