Media (is) the Message?

Over the years, it has been no secret that using technology in the classroom has been a controversial debate.  The way we integrate technology and the impact it has on student achievement is debated among many like parents, teachers, and students. Technology in today’s world is branching out in all the aspects of our lives.  It is important that students become technologically-proficient in today’s world.  As educators, it is our responsibility to motivate our students to learn, actively seek information, create new ideas, and to apply knowledge to make them 21^st century learners. 

          In The Great Media Debate between Kozma vs Clark, Clark takes the opinion that technology does not directly affect a student’s achievement in the classroom.  Clark reasons that technology is only another way to transmit information.  On the hand, Kozma’s believes that technology can directly affect the learning process by influencing learning.  In this debate, I agree with Kozma when we integrate technology appropriately it has a positive impact on student achievement.  We must integrate technology into the curriculum, not just supplement with it.  We need to promote the teaching of 21^st century skills so that students can be successful in their learning and students will have the technological skill to be prepared to enter the workforce when they graduate. In What Is Successful Technology Integration?, the author states that, “When effectively integrated into the curriculum, technology tools can extend learning in powerful ways.”

Naturally, kids are drawn to technology.  Integrating it in the classroom is a fun and engaging learning opportunity for students. This is a way to teach literacy skills, improve student engagement, make real-world connections, collaborate, differentiate learning, promote critical thinking, and  problem solving skills to teach 21^st century skills and achieve student success. The article also states that, “Successful technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent, accessible and readily available for the task at hand, and supporting the curricular goals, and helping the students to effectively reach their goals.”

What Is Successful Technology Integration? (2007, November 5). Edutopia. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description