Technology has been something that most university education professors encourage to integrate into the classroom for the simple explanation that it engages students. Most if not every school in Saskatchewan has access to electronic projectors, student computers and the internet. Pitler, Hubbel and Kuhn (2012) explain that there are many different reasons why technology in the classroom is beneficial such as encouraging students to become active players in their learning journey, building networking and collaboration skills, and still develops critical thinking and problem solving just as other modern educational approaches aim for (p. 3). Technological tools can also be effective tools in facilitating inquiry in the classroom, students can begin to ask questions and research the answers themselves instead of having teachers be the know it alls. With the use of technology students can become in charge of facilitating their own learning. This is very key in today’s classrooms and the student centered approach to learning is a common goal within many Saskatchewan schools.
There is an unlimited amount of resources and tools available to teachers just on the internet alone, many of these resources are free and can be helpful in organizing classrooms and assessments. Having an organized class is important to the learning environment and using these tools to help keep things well planned and in order will help set an example for students. Using these tools will also cut down on wasted class time trying to organize, in turn there will be more time for learning.
Dimmock (2000) expresses the importance that technology has across all levels and areas of the curriculum and that it should be integrated into all aspects of education (pg 170). The reasoning for this integrated approach is to reflect the use of technology in today’s world. Students will need to know how to access and use these tools in everyday life, they need to keep current so they can be engaged functioning members of society. Students should not be punished for using technology but they should be taught how to use it correctly and safely; the use of technology can have extreme consequences and also immense benefits both personally and in a professional perspective. Students should be taught about the possibility and opportunity that technology provides them with. Teachers can begin to do this by embracing personal devices that kids are usually punished for having in schools. If it is not illegal in today’s societywhy would we make it illegal in our classrooms? The purpose of school is to develop and encourage student’s citizenship and prepare them to be active vital members of our society, right?
Classroom Environments 