ASK A TEACHER with Nancy Downing Technology in the classroom |
| Q: How do you feel about technology IN the classroom? A: That is a very broad question. I will answer this question in two parts: the teacher’s use of technology and the student’s use of technology. In my opinion, in order for a teacher to deliver information to students in the most productive way, technology is a MUST. Computers, ELMOs (projectors), Smartboards (glorified blackboards), PowerPoint presentations, calculators, SAFARI systems (TVs that link to computers and other types of technology), and digital cameras are just a few examples of these resources. With any of these types of technology, visuals can be produced to make the lesson more multi-sensory. Research shows visuals enhance learning. When a class is taught via PowerPoint, the teacher usually gives a copy to each student. As the lesson is presented, the student can add notes to the copy. This is a great resource to use when studying for a test. Not only my feelings, but many researchers’ feelings are mixed when it comes to student’s use of technology in the classroom. First, let’s take calculators. Many of our young people have trouble with computation skills, because they rely on the calculator. In my opinion the computation skills should be mastered PLUS calculator skills. Second, being able to research, write papers, and make a PowerPoint presentation on the computer is essential and expected as early as third or fourth grade in some schools. Finally I want to state how I feel about the use of the laptop as a note taking device during a lecture. I see more interaction and positive learning occur when NOT used in this capacity. Many professors have banned their use during class in such places as Georgetown University, Harvard, Yale, and Columbia. Technology is here to stay. It is opening all types of exciting doors in the world of education. My hope is that each student’s personal computer, their brain, has stored the knowledge needed if one day the electric power goes off. . Copyright © 2009 by Nancy Downing. All rights reserved. |
Nancy has been an educator for 30 years and is currently a special education teacher.
She is the former Center Director of LearningRx in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has
received local, state, and national recognition for her development of Downfeld
Phonics, a multi-sensory reading program. Nancy also wrote curriculum for an
educational technology company.
Nancy is a single mother of three children: one with learning differences, one gifted,
and one who has to work for his grades. Not only does she know what it is like to teach
all these different learning styles at school, but she has the experience of dealing with
all aspects of each twenty-four seven.
She is the former Center Director of LearningRx in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has
received local, state, and national recognition for her development of Downfeld
Phonics, a multi-sensory reading program. Nancy also wrote curriculum for an
educational technology company.
Nancy is a single mother of three children: one with learning differences, one gifted,
and one who has to work for his grades. Not only does she know what it is like to teach
all these different learning styles at school, but she has the experience of dealing with
all aspects of each twenty-four seven.
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