Student engagement is on the decline in classrooms nationwide. As a result, graduation rates are decreasing and dropout rates are increasing. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2013 almost 50 percent of 16- through 24- year olds who had 11 or 12 years of school never earned a high school credential. This number increased from 26 percent in 1990 to 47 percent in 2013 (The Condition of Education). To meet this new need for student engagement and to increase graduation rates and decrease dropout rates, school districts nationwide must increase the use and availability of effective educational technology in classrooms. In the last decade or so the use of educational technology in the classroom has greatly advanced.
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By integrating educational technology in schools, those who struggle to learn by traditional methods now have an alternative method. According to the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network, “The use of educational technology can: improve student mastery of content; provide individualized instruction; improve students’ attitudes toward learning; prepare students for the workforce; and increase cost effectiveness of instruction” (Educational Technology). Educational technology allows students individualized and customized learning experiences. For example, “If a student who needs extra help on a particular topic need not hold up the entire class, or feel embarrassed asking for that help, when there are computers modules and tablet apps available for individual learning experiences” (Lynch). When students are able to understand difficult concepts at their own pace, they are more likely to display a better, more positive attitude toward the class. Not only does technology allow for more flexible learning or improve attitudes, but it is a tool. It is a tool for group interaction (certain programs allow for teacher-student technological interaction); it is a tool for managing and coordinating learning (email writing or schedule building); and it is a tool for expression (video or multimedia presentations) (Gaines). In summation, educational technology …show more content…
Teachers and administrators must allow students to access the Internet at school or allow students to incorporate technology into their everyday learning and research in order for graduation and success rates to increase. Parents and guardians must also be aware of the option of virtual schooling if their child is having difficulty succeeding in public school, whether it be because of the environment or because of learning capabilities. “Education is evolving due to the impact of the Internet. We cannot teach our students in the same manner in which we were taught. Change is necessary to engage students not in the curriculum we are responsible for teaching, but in school. Period.” – April Chamberlain (technology coordinator for Trussville school district in Alabama). By employing this educational technology into core curriculums students are not only more immersed in their education, but they are understanding how to operate and manage technology that is essential for use in most careers after
By integrating educational technology in schools, those who struggle to learn by traditional methods now have an alternative method. According to the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network, “The use of educational technology can: improve student mastery of content; provide individualized instruction; improve students’ attitudes toward learning; prepare students for the workforce; and increase cost effectiveness of instruction” (Educational Technology). Educational technology allows students individualized and customized learning experiences. For example, “If a student who needs extra help on a particular topic need not hold up the entire class, or feel embarrassed asking for that help, when there are computers modules and tablet apps available for individual learning experiences” (Lynch). When students are able to understand difficult concepts at their own pace, they are more likely to display a better, more positive attitude toward the class. Not only does technology allow for more flexible learning or improve attitudes, but it is a tool. It is a tool for group interaction (certain programs allow for teacher-student technological interaction); it is a tool for managing and coordinating learning (email writing or schedule building); and it is a tool for expression (video or multimedia presentations) (Gaines). In summation, educational technology …show more content…
Teachers and administrators must allow students to access the Internet at school or allow students to incorporate technology into their everyday learning and research in order for graduation and success rates to increase. Parents and guardians must also be aware of the option of virtual schooling if their child is having difficulty succeeding in public school, whether it be because of the environment or because of learning capabilities. “Education is evolving due to the impact of the Internet. We cannot teach our students in the same manner in which we were taught. Change is necessary to engage students not in the curriculum we are responsible for teaching, but in school. Period.” – April Chamberlain (technology coordinator for Trussville school district in Alabama). By employing this educational technology into core curriculums students are not only more immersed in their education, but they are understanding how to operate and manage technology that is essential for use in most careers after