TECHNOLOGY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

As technology quickly evolved in recent years, it is clear that it has also transformed our lives as we know it. The classroom may be one of those places most affected by this change. In many schools, the traditional blackboard (which is never black, but green) has been replaced with digital white boards, the usual manila paper and “cartolina” teaching materials have now been put to rest in the wake of PowerPoint Presentation and Prezi, or the iPad! Now, more than ever, we as teachers need to realize that we have to also keep up with the times so we can keep up with our students.

Then we have the internet in which the great majority of teachers believe has greatly impacted our students’abilities to access information and content infinitely better and faster than before.

Some may say that technology is a distraction in the classroom, but some assert that it can actually get students more involved in the learning process. Devices like tablets, iPads, the laptop can transform those traditionally dull subjects into interactive and collaborative exercises and activities. It can actually incorporate the different learning styles of students by integrating technology in the instructional process. One way for this to happen is that kids who are more inclined in drawing may use their tablets to showcase their understanding of concepts thru their adeptness in this skill. Students who have a penchant for music may utilize this skill in expressing their understanding of the topic.

Technology also capitalizes on student collaboration. Studies have shown that teachers have observed that students tend to help each other more when they are work with technology to produce an output. The students who are more skilled or technologically advanced love assisting their less-experienced peers who are struggling. Technology in the class room, especially with students at a young age, can help students be better prepared for the demands of the work place in the future.

Many teachers would agree that the internet has given them a limitless array of information that would help them improve their way of teaching. Integrating technology in their lesson plans have expanded their knowledge about their subjects they teaching, making a significant difference in the way students learn in their classes. Many teachers have also started to utilize technology in order for them to effectively communicate with their students on a regular basis, making the assignment, production, and even assessment of assignments almost seamless and hassle-free.

This is the reason why teachers need to take risks on learning, relearning, and even unlearning old ways of teaching to accommodate fresh approaches to reaching students. Some seasoned teachers may be a bit apprehensive about new techniques and innovations and would reason that the old ways have made them into what they are right now. Yet, we can safely assume that we can never really appreciate these new ways of learning unless we try them ourselves. There is the saying that goes, “If we teach children of today how we were taught in the past, we are robbing them of tomorrow”. Hence, we have to take that leap into the seemingly “unknown” to see if these are truly worth our time to learn and use.

Using technology in the classroom can also teach and encourage critical thinking. Students love to solve problems and do their own Google and internet “digging” when they are presented with academic problems and tasks. They are just too excited to discover things present their findings to the world.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has given statements regarding the use of technology in the classroom.

The department has ensured that it will be looking into the use of such devices as laptops and tablets in order to mitigate the damages that can be brought by the improper use or the abuse of these technological implements.

Realizing that the potential risk of addiction to gadgets such as these in some teenagers and younger learners is very real, the Department will ensure certain steps are taken so that this does not happen in schools.

Although DepEd is one in the goal of promoting technology in the classroom, it will make sure that it will instill safeguards against the abuse of such materials, and to truly maximize the educational gains for students who use them.

Teachers and school systems will be trained to know how to properly monitor the use of these devices as efficient learning tools for students, and not a source of distraction. Hence, no games shall be installed or allowed to be installed in the tablets.

Safeguards will be done to block any third party who will try to install programs or apps without administrative permission.

DepEd assured that technology will only be utilized in school for learning, and not for games or other purposes.