Teach English in Jinqiao Zhen - Shanghai Shi

Technology in the ClassroomThe classroom is not a self-contained world, although sometimes it can feel like it is. It is one aspect of a world community, and as such, where possible it should reflect the practices of the society in which it exists. The classroom is preparing students to partake in the larger culture and workforce. Technology of course is just one component of society, yet a very pervasive one. Technology has been incorporated in the classroom from the beginning of formal education, as technology advances so has its integration into the classroom. It has taken the form of writing materials, pens and pencils, paper, blackboards and whiteboards (including electronic whiteboards), books, photocopying of handouts, audio devices for listening exercises, overhead projectors, tv?s, dvd?s and cd?s. Teachers use the internet extensively for preparing their class materials for students. Students likewise are increasingly using the internet for educational, recreational and social purposes. With the advent of mobile phones, especially smart phones eg, iphones and blackberries, we have found more students utilizing these in class, often using dictionaries and translation software. This is of questionable value within the framework of traditional teaching methods. However, as technology develops teaching methods have and will continue change and grow. Static methods are not an option in a competitive teaching industry. Many schools around the world have been equipped with computers for a significant period of time. With the advent of sophisticated computers such as laptops, tablets and ipads, we are witnessing an unprecedented expectation of and reliance on these tools in schools. Some schools advertising an ipad or tablet for every student. It is not only a school?s obligation to teach students knowledge, it is the school?s responsibility to teach students where and how to access that knowledge on their own. Technology and the internet are the cornerstone of knowledge acquisition in today?s industry and as such, must be incorporated in the classroom to exploit its capabilities and fully equip students to enter the workforce. The multi media component of new technology ? images, video, sound and text, further enriches the learning environment of the classroom. Engaging as many senses of the students as possible stimulates student?s interest and distributes knowledge across the various learning styles of students. This offsets student?s weaknesses in one or more learning styles. The integration of technology in the classroom supports four key areas of learning 1) connection to real world experts,2) frequent interaction and feedback, 3)active engagement and 4)participation in groups. Technology cannot be taught as an isolated subject removed from school curriculum, it must support and interact with the curriculum. Information in 2011 is readily available to everyone, the skills that will aid students in their working and creative lives are the abilities to source this information and synthesize it into projects that will strengthen their analysis and problem solving skills. This approach will demand flexibility on behalf of teachers who will take on more of a facilitator and troubleshooting role than previously required. With teachers taking on more of a coach/advisor capacity I believe classroom behavioral issues will be greatly reduced and hence, more time will be spent ?learning? by students rather than them being managed. And finally, with students engaged in a multi faceted capacity, students are more likely to stay ?on task?. References http://www.edutopia.org/ http://www.netop.com/fileadmin/netop/resources/products/education/vision/whitepapers/Vision6_Whitepaper_Classroom%20Management_EN_Print_NRB. http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/06/28/teachers-report-educational-benefits-of-frequent-technology-use.aspx