Classroom Technology and Issues

Born in 1996, one of the greatest experiences in my lifetime has been growing up in the technological world and watching technology evolve into what it is today. One of my earliest memories of technology was getting a cassette player for my third Christmas. I had many tapes that sang the ABC's, numbers one through ten, and the books of the Bible. I also remember listening to cassette players in kindergarten while sitting in a circle for carpet time. Our teacher would play the songs as we sang along.We also used Leap Frog touch books in first grade as we learned to read. I vividly recall sitting at my desk reading along with the Leap Frog and occasionally taking my Leap Frog pen to touch the words that I didn't know so I could hear them aloud. By the third grade, we used overhead projectors to see our spelling words on the board and to correct grammar. In the seventh grade, my English teacher bought a television set for his classroom so we could watch Obama being sworn into office. And after entering the eighth grade, my school set up a computer lab. By the time I finished high school, my teachers and fellow students used iPads in and out of the classroom.

However, with the pleasure of watching technology grow and find its place in society, I have also seen many issues arise with technology in personal lives and in the classroom. One of these issues is a social issue. With social media at a trending peak, it has become problematic, particularly in the classroom. Along with social media comes the risk of privacy and possible misuse on both the teachers' and the students' behalf.

Another issue with technology is with cultural/equity issues. Technology, while it can be a blessing, can also be a curse. Technology has the ability to unite people from across the world, but unfortunately, it also has the ability to divide people within one another's backyard. With cultural differences lingering among  the technological world, as well as perceived gender biases towards technology and special need students, technology sometimes does more harm than good.

Other problems that arise with technology encompass a wide variety of educational issues. The most common issue within the United States today is the lack of funding for technology. However, even if there was money to fund technology in the classrooms, the question of dependability and accountability would arise: Are teacher too dependent on technology to help them teach? What do the students and teachers do with said technology? How do we measure if technology is good or bad in the classroom? And what technology should teachers and students use?

The last issue that arises from technology is legal/ethical issues. Along with technology comes responsibility. The responsibility to use technology with academic integrity, the responsibility to be safe while online and use good judgement, the responsibility to guard yourself from hackers, and the responsibility to download software and applications the correct and legal way.

Technology is a wonderful thing and I truly believe that it should be incorporated into classrooms. However, these issues should be addressed to keep teachers and students safe!

Addison Foster