Last month, there was media coverage relating to the
decision by a Sydney school to ban laptops from use in the
classroom because of views that they "distract" the learning process. This does go against conventional views on the use of technology in the classroom.
From my experience, I can understand why laptop use might be discouraged because
students can be too distracted and makes managing student behaviour a
challenge. But could the ramifications of such an approach cancel out
the benefits associated with using technology in the classroom?
There are some learning tasks where a pen and paper approach
might be more effective, but using
information and communication technologies does allow for transformative
learning to occur as emphasised under the SAMR model. I have been a keen
advocate for use of technology in the classroom because you can do more with
technology than pen and paper technologies can do.
I have pointed out that students can present their
information in different formats through technology e.g. practice new words in a foreign language
by recording a TV interview with a student acting as a famous sports star. You can find out information in real time or compare different perspectives.
With so many demands in our lives, it is important that we are productive with the limited time that one has. Forcing students to handwrite assignments is a time consuming process, and presentation wise isn't as effective as typing it on a computer. Some students would be disadvantaged especially if their handwriting is poor.
Students love using technology; best reflected in their everyday use of digital devices including phones, tablets and computers. If we can let students use the same technology that they use for recreation, why cannot we use it in an educational sense? They are more likely to engage than if I were to make students read from a textbook and answer comprehension questions.
Also I felt the need to share this article by Anthony Segart, a student at St Andrews Cathedral School, Sydney as well because it helps support the reflections that I have made. As an educator, I am obliged to equip students with the skills that they will need for active participation in a 21st century society. This includes equipping students with the skills that they will need in order to use technology effectively.
He does make one additional point which is my challenge for me as an educator - How do I teach students to manage the distractions that technology can provide? Well one answer is making the lessons meaningful and relevant but also help students try to block out distractions, like we have to do in the physical world.
