ART BY SHIRLEEN KWONG By CLAIRE LAW
STAFF WRITER
As the bell rings to signify the start of class, the teacher informs students to put their phones away and grab a laptop. Their first task is already posted online: to take an online pop quiz to see if students understood what was taught the day before.
As technology advances and improves, schools have begun to integrate electronic devices into the curriculum. By accessing the internet, teachers gain a better way of giving information to students. But will using electronic devices have a positive or negative effect on students?
Essentially, technology has continued to improve student’s grades and education. University of California (UC) Irvine reported that the usage of iPads had a big influence on their students that took the national exams. For example, the first class that received iPads at UC Irvine scored 23% higher on national exams than previous classes. This evidence indicates that technology may be a beneficial addition to our modern day education system, as this may affect students’ performance and engagement when taking tests.
Firstly, using electronic devices, such as phones and computers, allow students to look up information from outside resources for the topic they are learning. For example, if students need additional information about a topic, they can search on the web with their electronic devices.
In addition, access to an electronic device lets students learn from digital resources, rather than just using information provided by the teacher. Searching on the Internet for information or clarification improves the student’s understanding of a specific topic. Teachers mostly rely on textbook to educate their students; however through the option of technology, teachers have different ways of teaching they can provide to students.
Furthermore, the United States Department of Education believed that using the Internet to look up information from electronic devices are “[A]n important element of an infrastructure for learning and range from podcasts to digital libraries to textbooks and games.”
In other words, it is important for students to incorporate their electronic devices into their learning curriculum to clarify and comprehend a specific topic.
Moreover, access to an electronic device lets students learn from digital resources, rather than just using information provided by the teacher. Searching on the Internet for information or clarification improves the student’s understanding of a specific topic. Teachers mostly rely on textbook to educate their students; however through the option of technology, teachers have different ways of teaching they can provide to students.
Not to mention, electronic devices also improves collaboration. Technology is ever changing and advancing, which requires students to learn how to use an electronic device. But, not all students are good with technology, so many students tend to ask their classmates first whenever they are having trouble with their electronic device.
For instance, Walden University believed that “Teachers have observed an increased frequency of students helping each other when they are using technology in the classroom.”
That is to say, because technology can sometimes be confusing, students are able to communicate with their classmates in class. Importantly, when students need clarification or questions regarding a specific subject, they can use technology as assistance.
The use of electronic devices also encourages individual learning and growth. “Students can learn at their own speed, reviewing difficult concepts or skipping ahead as needed” Capella University said.
Continuing, using an electronic device lets students not only review topics by taking online practice quizzes and tests, but also comprehend information at their own pace. “This form of teaching is also great for the teacher because it gives him/her the time to work individually with students who may be struggling,” Janelle Cox mentioned. Janelle Cox is a writer that records her experiences with working with students on many websites.
Despite, a popular argument that is brought up is that students are unable to focus due to electronic devices. From my experience, whenever the teacher lets us use our electronic devices in class, many students get preoccupied by other apps on their device. Despite this, I have noticed that when students are on task, they can make the most out of using an electronic device in class by productively utilizing their devices to aid with the education content that the teacher provides.
Overall, using electronic devices in the classroom for assigning assignments and tests, such as pop quizzes, is not only beneficial to improving student’s grades, but also helps the teacher to understand what the students need help on.