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Running Head: Usage of Electronics in the Classroom

The Benefits of Technology in the Classroom

Marquita Noel-Price
CSUDH Fall 2015

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Running Head: Usage of Electronics in the Classroom

Not everything that happens in an in-person classroom is currently replicated with

an online course, and perhaps the experience will never be quite the same. But there are new
opportunities that online learning opens up that would have never been possible without this
technology (D. Koller n.d). Technology is influential to the routines of our society because
technology continues to advance, and open opportunities for students to learn and excel in new
experiences. Electronics can be an effective teaching tool in the classroom because it can
advance students technological skills, it can be used for research, and it can give students an
opportunity for social interaction and collaboration.
Strategies for Using Technology in the Classroom
There are a variety of strategies for teaching methods using electronics in the
classroom. A few strategies that will support electronics in the classroom are the basic
technological skills of how to use word processing, electric presentations, and how to create a
resume and a business plan. With the continuous use of cell phones, iPad, laptops, and desktop
computers; it opens a variety of opportunities for students that will be extremely useful. Students
will begin learning how to use the essential tools of a desk top computer, which includes a
mouse, keyboard, and basic programs will be beneficial. A typing program specifically will teach
students how to type accurately and with speed. The basic tools of typing presents a solid
foundation for other programs and online literacy. PowerPoint is significant in the classroom
because it can be incorporated into a lesson, which can be expanded upon by having each student
create a power point presentation. According to an article titled, PowerPoint Classroom
Presentation, it expands on the use of PowerPoint and how many skills are incorporated in the
classroom with students.

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Running Head: Usage of Electronics in the Classroom

The article states, With PowerPoint, you can animate words and graphics, add sound
effects, and include a quick time move. PowerPoint captures the students attention and
helps keep them interested (L. Starr, 2011).
Therefore, by going through the process of creating a PowerPoint presentation students will be
able to work hands on with laptops, iPad, and computers on sample research topics.
Technology Used as a Research Tool
Technology is a source used for research and it expands students ideas further to
create different perspectives, which allows them to become investigators. Cell phones and
electronic devices are great tools for teachers and students in the classroom for research and
digging deeper on particular subject matter. According to an article titled, Cell Phones in the
Classroom: Are we Dialing up for Disaster, mentions many relevant points about cell phones
being a research tool. A few examples of using electronics as a research tool, includes teachers
collecting evidence of students work through photographs, video recordings, and an audience
response system (G. Engel and Green, 2011). An audience response system is defined as an
electronic tool that can poll students on topic and give instantaneous feedback to the students
(Engel and Green, 2011). Technology used as a research tool can enlighten the students about
different cultures, traditions, and history amongst their peers. Teachers can give the students inclass assignments to explore an ethnicity other than their own; it would be engaging .Research in
the classroom on electronic devices will also give the students a chance to find academic sources
to support their viewpoint versus a random source. This process will provide the students with a
list of replicable websites to refer back to for future research. These methods are significant
learning tools because students are held accountable for their success and participation.

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Running Head: Usage of Electronics in the Classroom

Collaboration and Social Interaction

Electronics and cell phone usage in the classroom gives students an opportunity for
social interaction, collaboration, engagement, and motivation. Students are then held accountable
for their academic research and support. Electronics in the classroom helps validate the students
evidence, facts, and opinions toward their academics. Therefore, when the students have
validation, their confidence and self-worth is pushed to a higher level. According to an article
titled, Cell Phones in the classroom Teacher: Perspectives of Inclusion Benefits and Barriers,
bring attention to the ways students are effected positively. Technology can improve students
engagement, motivation, and productivity (Roblyer and Doering, 2010). Increased engagement
and motivation are often identified as a potential benefits associated with using technology in the
classroom (Roblyer NA dDoering, 2011). Both student engagement (McGarity and Butts, 1984)
and motivation (Williams and Williams, 2011) are recognized as necessary elements of students
learning (K.Thjomas, B.OBannon, N. Bolton, 2013). Being engaged and motivated opens a path
for collaboration, which allows students to build relationships with their peers. Having strong
relationships with their peers give them an opportunity to give critiques or positive feedback. A
form of respect is then gained throughout the classroom. Giving students an early start to
technology in primary grades will give them the ability to be tech savvy, which will strengthen
them as their academic journey continues.
Many teacher are against having electronics in the classroom because of
distractions, such as, social media, and texting; however, the journey throughout life as students,
adults and professional are filled with bumps in the road. Therefore, by experiencing distractions
on variety of levels one has the ability to alter the distractions into a positive, and engaging
teaching moment. This can be done by setting expectations and giving students an opportunity to

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Running Head: Usage of Electronics in the Classroom

expand their technological skills, which incorporates the use of cell phones, iPad, laptops and
desktop computers in the classroom.
Overall, cell phones and electronic devices are significant in the classroom because
it opens opportunities for students to advance their technological skills. Their skills can be
improved by using technology as a research tool, and by creating an avenue for collaboration and
social interaction. Electronics are effective teaching tools in the classroom, which will be
beneficial to many students. As technology continues to advance, so must educators, parents, and
children. Therefore, embracing technology and electronics in the classrooms globally will open a
continuous gateway to teach our students and prepare them for the future.

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Running Head: Usage of Electronics in the Classroom

References
Cell Phones in the Classroom: Are we Dialing up Disaster? (2011). TechTrends, 55(2), 39-45.
doi:10.1007/s11528-011-0482-z
Education World: Connecting educators to what works. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://educationworld.com
Koller, D. (n.d.). Famous Quotes at BrainyQuote. Retrieved from http://www.brainyquotes.com
Starr, L. (n.d.). Education World: Connecting educators to what works. Retrieved from
http://www.educationworld.com
Thomas, K. M., OBannon, B. W., & Bolton, N. (2013). Cell Phones in the Classroom:
Teachers Perspectives of Inclusion, Benefits, and Barriers. Computers in the
Schools,30(4), 295-308. doi:10.1080/07380569.2013.844637