Using Technology in the Classroom

When I was in high school it was common for us to use graphing calculators when we needed a quick way to visualize functions. I found it fairly simple to plot a function on the calculator, but there were a lot of commands required and it was difficult to memorize all of them. I found that we needed to have a re-introduction to them every time we needed to use them. While it was fun to have an unfamiliar piece of technology to use in the classroom, it was also frustrating at times.

In class we had the opportunity to use graphing calculators combined with motion censors to simulate position-time graphs. Many of my classmates had never used a graphing calculator, so it was something that was new and a change from our regular methods of problem solving and modelling.

Despite our excitement, my group discovered that the technology could not connect or did not work properly once it was connected. We tried many different combinations of calculators and motion censors before we dispersed into other groups who had more success. Even after moving to a new, group, there were troubles with our censor, as it did not accurately pick up motion. We again, needed to change plans and switch technology with a group who had completed the activity. In the end, we were able to see how the graph and censor worked, but it did take a lot of effort.

This activity was a good lesson in the use of technology in the classroom. While it is an incredible tool to implement that has a multitude of benefits, technology has the risk of failing. What can I as a teacher do if my technology does not work the way I had expected it to? Will I have a back-up plan ready? How do I ensure that I stay up-to-date so that I have working and relevant technological tools? I know it seems like implementing technology into the classroom is a simple task - especially as someone who grew up using many different forms of it, however there are questions like these to consider before jumping in.

I think that this class was an eye-opener to my perspective on technology in the classroom. While it can be a great asset to many lessons and mathematical concepts, I should not rely on technology to take place of my teaching. I should also be aware of other similar software of technologies that I can use should my plan not go accordingly.

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