Responsible use of Technology in the Classroom

Technological developments in recent years has been accelerating our usage of technology in various aspects of our life. What is evident, is our indifference in getting hooked into a virtual world whilst being alienated from our immediate physical surroundings. Go in a restaurant and you will observe individuals and whole families interacting more with technology and less with other human beings. Not just in a restaurant, but even on the bus, in a doctor’s waiting room and many other places, many are sitting down in front of a screen to work, to play games, to listen to music and to escape from life’s stress.

Many times we are also putting children in front of screens at restaurants and at home. Maybe to give them an interesting task or simply to keep them quiet. I am afraid that we are doing the same in classrooms.

When compared with other countries, Malta is well equipped with technology in schools. Practically each state school classroom has a network connection, computer and interactive whiteboard or screen. In recent years there has been a steady increase in the usage of technology in classrooms. This is commendable as technology may bring forward learning that was previously inconceivable. Still, such rich learning environments may also bring negative consequences. A trend observed on an international level is how technology is used during  leisure time, i.e. during breakfast and break time and after school kids are entertained through visual media shown on the ‘big screen’ available in the classroom.

As educators, what we teach is not simply the subject content but also values emanating from our behaviour. More so this is so at a primary level where children spend almost 25 hours weekly with their teacher. In particular cases, this translates in children spending more time with their teacher rather than their parents.

Technology in the classroom brings with it a world of opportunities, bringing the classroom nearer to society. Technology has its proper place i.e. a highly interactive medium. Through the use of technology, teaching may be more productive, collaborative, and meaningful. For this to succeed we need real teachers who can responsible connect the class to this digital age, teacher need to be supported and trained.  Educators are professionals whose main role is that of educating learners in their classroom. This brings with it responsibilities of which the effective and responsible integration of technology in the classroom.

While attention to choosing the appropriate hardware and software for the classroom is prerequisite, it is the skill and attitude of the teacher that determines the effectiveness of technology integration into the curriculum.

Ensuring our children develop positive values and a sense of ethical and responsible use of technology is our responsibility as adults.

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/educators-and-responsible-use-of-technology.766023