Regina Rodriguez

http://reginarodriguez.weebly.com/
EDU-225
June 26, 2016

Entry 2: Technology to Enhance Instruction

Integrating Instructional Technology
Technology has evolved vastly and is a part of daily life and community. However, where
it does lag is in schools. Schools are beginning to explore all technology has to offer when it
comes to learning and teaching a given subject but integrating instructional technology needs to
go beyond basic computer skills and software in the classroom. In the article Technology and
Learning by Delgado, Wardlow, McKnight and OMalley, states technology has shown to be an
efficient tool to build higher level cognitive skills such as critical thinking (Pg. 398, 2015).
Teaching and learning can be enhanced in the classroom with the effective use of technology and
the following sites focus on teaching specific strategies for active learning with technology,
online class environments and alternatives to presentations.
Unique Learning System
This site offers differentiated learning materials for students with special needs. Students
take individual screeners to see what level they are at in reading, writing, math, science and
social studies. Each month has its own theme and comes with lesson plans that allow for whole
group instruction. Once lessons are completed, students take individual diagnostics to see where
they scored. This is used to determine how much the student is understanding cognitively. What

is great for teachers is this data can be used to show as evidence towards a students learning.
https://www.n2y.com/products/unique/
Edmodo
Edmodo allows for collaboration amongst educators, students, and parents to connect.
The teacher sets up their classroom onto the site and from there, has the ability to post
assignments and reminders about what is due and or up and coming in the classroom. Students
have the chance to check on assignments and collaborate with other students when working on
homework. Parents have the ability to check on the work of their child and see if they are
missing any assignments. Parent and teacher may also contact each other through the site as
well. https://www.edmodo.com/
Prezi
Prezi is the next step up from Power Point. It allows for more interactive designs and
animation. There are reusable designs that can be used or a new Prezi can be created. It allows
the presenter to zoom in on key details of what is being shown. Prezi also has the capability of
being shown from any available device instead of having to save it on a flash drive and loading it
onto another device or having to bring a personal laptop to a location. It really engages the
audience with its clear graphics. https://prezi.com/about/
Pros and Cons of using Technology to Facilitate Learning (200-300 words)
Technology in the classroom is a catch-22, regardless of what it is used for or what it can
do in the classroom. While it gives teachers and students access to information, it is important as
an educator to the advantages and disadvantages of how to maximize its use in the classroom
environment. Some of the pros of technology in the class is increased engagement on the
internet that has the ability to give more in depth content of a subject that is not readily available

in a textbook. Another advantage, it technology allows for better teaching opportunities in the
classroom. It allows for access to videos and online resources, making the lessons and lectures
more interesting.
The cons of technology are it can allow for more distractions. Students need to be able to
work independently and self-monitor their own progress when working on laptops or tablets.
Though the use of technology has the ability to enhance learning, it can also be used
inappropriately by students who would use it carelessly. In regards to students with disabilities,
in an article written by Scott Weber in Addressing Technology Pros and Cons, he says that while
the assumption is that technology will level the playing field, the reality is that students with
disabilities are often playing academic catch up to their typical peers (Pg.451, 2005). So with
the idea of constantly having to reach the level of typical peers, are students with disabilities
being better served with technology?
Wired and Wireless Classrooms (100-200 words)
In a wired classroom, teachers and students need to make use of computers in a creative
way. Most likely, only one or two wired computers are available to teacher and student. Teachers
also have to consider the layout of the classroom since outlets are available at only certain points
in the class. With wireless, the teacher has the option of using laptops and tablets. This allows
students the opportunity to work on an array of sites based on their own individual need versus
having to do a whole group instruction or a limited time frame on a single computer for all.
Wireless also takes very little space in the room and do not have worry about storage of laptops
since they can be easily stored.
Conclusion

The use of technology in school is ever evolving and the use enhances curriculum and
has the ability to increase engagement amongst students. With effective technology, it can help
students with gaining cognitive skills to better increase active learning. Technology in the
classroom is used to create active learning environments, allow for a paperless classroom and
allows for updated presentations.

Reference
Delgado, A. J., Wardlow, L., McKnight, K., & O'Malley, K. (2015). Educational Technology: A
Review of the Integration, Resources, and Effectiveness of Technology in K-12
Classrooms. Journal Of Information Technology Education: Research, 14397-416
Weber, S. (2005). Education in practice column. Addressing technology pros and cons. Journal
Of The American Academy Of Nurse Practitioners, 17(11), 451-451 1p.