Advantages of Integrating Technology
Using Technology for the subjects of math and science provides a fun and memorable way to learn new information. “Technology provides powerful learning tools for engaging students in investigating more complex ideas and problem-solving to reveal important interactions among the disciplines while engaging students” (Roblyer, 2016, 319). The use of technology is a good way to leave an impression on students, but it is also significant knowledge that students might need in the future. With technology constantly changing and increasing it is vital that they know how to use technology associated with math and science so that they do not fall behind others in the future. The link static.nsta.org describes the advancement of science technology that is used and taught in modern day classrooms.
Disadvantages of Integrating Technology
The biggest problem of using technology for the subjects of math and science would be the idea of students develop a reliance on technology. When things are processed on a computer students lose the act of doing the work in real life, “'Hands-on/minds-on' science became a common term in science reform, synonymous with immersing students in authentic learning experience" (Roblyer, 2016, 320). A student can do a science experiment or chart a graph on a computer. However, this will take away from real world experience. If in the future a student needs do a process they have only experienced through technology their understanding of how to apply the process to the real world would be lacking compared to those who experienced the real process. The link
citejournal.org describes the different factors of using technology in math that a teacher should be cognizant of.
Textbook Resources
One of the better resources suggested by the text is the website
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html. This website allows students to work with grade appropriate virtual math manipulatives. The text states that "simulated activities are popular because they offer more flexibility than activities using actual objects in the way teachers can use them to illustrate concepts" (Roblyer, 2016, 313). Another good resource given in the textbook was the website
https://www3.nd.edu/~nismec/vernier.htm. This link connects teachers to lesson plans that revolve around science activities on
LabQuest Interfaces.
The resources you found through the text, "Integrating Educational Technology into Education," are great! Another resource found in the text is spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel or Google Spreadsheet. Which is a "data analysis tool for supporting algebraic reasoning and thinking in K–12 mathematics" (Roblyer, 2016, p. 312).
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your idea that students can become too reliant on technology in science and math. Students should be able to do math with pencil and paper before being given the technology to make this process more efficient. There is a "growing national concern that the United States is not adequately preparing students, teachers, and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics..." (Roblyer, 2016, p. 308). By teaching our students how to use their own minds before integrating technology is very important.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your advantages viewpoint. Even though it may be challenging to learn a new style of teaching math and science now, it will benefit both you and your students in the future with the constant changing technological world. According to the text, "Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching", math has the ability to help students, "connect their learning to problems found in our world" (Roblyer, 2016, p. 309). Growing up, relating math problems to real life helped me visualize a problem and more easily solve it. I believe technology can better help students do just that!
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