What constitutes a technology-enriched learning environment?
We are entering into a new era of technology in education. Society is moving rapidly into the Information Age and schools must do the same. At this time educators view technology as something that is “nice to have”. Yet, in our near future, technology will be considered an essential component of the educational environment to achieve instructional goals. To promote an effective technology-enriched environment many educators will have step out of their element to change things they have done for years. Starting with the physical environment of classrooms, teachers will have to allow room for the space that technology can take up. Bitter states, “teachers should allow room for presentation space, group work space, and flexible space for multiple activities” (154). Students are exposed to problem-solving activities, collaboration that promotes self confidence, real world situations can be exposed, etc. Teachers feel like technology promotes the growth of students, some even see growth on standardized tests. Furthermore, we have learned that technology allows for teachers to have time for individualized instruction. Yet, sharing computers with another students is not the best technology-enriched environment scenario. Students that work on computers individually consequently can work at their own pace, they talk less, and are even more focused. Also, discussions are promoted in classrooms, there is an increased time doing homework, students show improvements in writing, and most importantly they seem more confident and motivated. Yet, from personal experience computers in the classrooms can distract students, some students may become so focused on learning how to manuever certain software that they miss the actual purpose of the lesson. With this said, I believe with support, a willingness to change as a teacher, dedication from the teacher as well as the students, and correct training computers in the classroom have more pros than cons on student’s growth.
I've noticed that it is harder for older teachers to change their physical classrooms into more technology-enriched learning environments. I think it's harder for them because they have not been surrounded by technology as long as others have been and they are less familiar with it. It takes these people more time to to actually learn how to use the technology. I agree with what you say about teachers having to step out of their element because it is important to have technology-enriched learning environments.
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