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Article reprint: The Nine Reasons why technology is vital to education. Math Open Reference

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Intelligence has always been coveted and sought after. It's clear that a high quality education is a common value we share in the United States and around the world. This is seen in households and in law. For example, President Obama recently put forth a proposal for universal preschool. Access to a good education is just as important for grade school kids as it is for the students seeking a college degree, and it would be hard to find someone who doesn't agree that everyone has a right to get that education.

But while we have such reverence for education, schools struggle. Test scores drop, teachers are laid off, programs are cut, and the quality of education varies greatly from school to school. So what can be done to save schools that are falling behind the public's standards -- or dreams -- of quality learning? It seems that our current obsession with technology and electronics may have the benefits in education struggling classes need to get back on track.
Personalizing Education
It's frustrating to be in a classroom where there are students at very different levels and needs to a degree where it's impossible for one teacher to cater to each student as they deserve. A teacher's job is just as much about knowing the students and understanding how to improve an individual's learning abilities as it is about teaching students about algebra, photosynthesis, or how to use a semicolon correctly. Studies have found that a technology rich classroom is the perfect place for that level of specialized learning. When teachers and students are trained to use the technology, there are many tools to help track growth, give extra resources, and accelerate learning based on each student's unique pace. The first step to improving education as a whole is realizing that there is no cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all education that will work for every student. From there, technology can offer tools for defining unique education.

One of the major benefits of introducing technology into the classroom is the effect it has on the students. In traditional teaching (lecturing, working from a textbook, and taking notes, for example), it's easy for students to fall into a passive role. Even the best students who have a natural passion for learning can have trouble paying attention to a teacher's lecture. But when technology is involved, students are more likely to be engaged in learning. Students need to press buttons, think out problems, and manipulate the tools they have to achieve a goal. Educational technology can improve focus among students and it caters to students who learn independently and to those who are more collaborative.
The Endless Benefits of Technology and Learning
It's true that adapting to new technology in the classroom takes some time and requires trial and error before teachers and students can start to see results. But once teachers get used to using technology in their lesson plans and when students perfect the skills needed to be successful with that technology, the results are quite impressive. Technology has proven to accelerate struggling students close the learning gap between those at the back of the class and the A-students. In fact, 78 percent of Kindergarten through Middle School teachers agree that technology has had a positive impact on their classroom -- and that's just the start.

Including technology in the classroom gives teachers more options and tools to cater to each student individually. Technology can improve focus and boost students' self-esteem, not to mention teach them valuable skills like fast, accurate typing and using online search engines to find trustworthy sources for research. It's difficult for under-funded schools to find the resources to bring technology into the classroom, but there are organizations and grants available to schools all over the world that are there for just that. With a supportive community and teachers who are willing to be trained and embrace technology in their classes, students of every age are sure to benefit from the many tools and skills technology can offer.

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A Look at Recent Findings on Technology in the Classroom

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Intelligence has always been coveted and sought after. It's clear that a high quality education is a common value we share in the United States and around the world. This is seen in households and in law. For example, President Obama recently put forth a proposal for universal preschool.

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... Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images

Computers improve classroom learning as long as teachers and students are equipped to reap the full benefits. Internet access allows students to conduct comprehensive research and communicate with other education providers beyond the four walls of the classroom. Computers also run specialized software programs that enable teachers to provide tutoring or personalized instruction for students who need advanced or remedial educational resources.

Classroom computers open up a whole new world of telecommunication, allowing students to access national and worldwide educational websites. Immediate access to current materials enables students to respond, analyze, read and digest educational content that isn't available in most textbooks - or at least hasn't made it to print yet. Video conferencing, multimedia presentations and electronic communication tools also give schools the ability to educate students, including those who are missing a school day or taking online classes. Teachers must keep close tabs on classroom internet use, ensuring that students aren't socializing, playing games or researching topics that don't have educational value.

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How Have Computers Changed Learning in the Classroom? | Synonym

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Incorporating computers into the classroom improve learning when teachers and students are equipped to manage usage and reap the full benefits.

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Using technology in the classroom expands usable learning materials and students' experience. According to the U.S. Department of Education, computers increase student engagement and motivation and accelerate learning. A computer should be used to complement the current classroom topic and be integrated in ways that develop intellectual skills. Balance and timing are key. Simply putting a student in front of a computer cannot replace a live teacher. The teacher must remain the facilitator.

Computers Make Learning Interactive

Unlike passive forms of technology, such as television or videos, a computer requires interaction. Using a computer in an early elementary school classroom offers students the opportunity to control the pace of an activity and to repeat an activity again and again. Computers provide students an interactive experience that develops curiosity and independent thinking and problem solving skills, according to Dr. Bruce D. Perry, an internationally recognized authority on brain development and children.

Teaching Early Computer Skills

When it comes to using a computer in an early elementary school classrooms, teachers should focus on the basics. Students need to learn how to use a keyboard, mouse and headphones. Approach these topics with a teacher-led class presentation and after children have mastered the basics, they can practice on the real thing. Help students develop an appreciation and excitement for computer usage while also introducing basic computer skills through games.

Elementary Core Curriculum

Common Core State Standards outline what skills students are expected to understand and be able to do from Kindergarten through high school in math and English language arts. Most school systems also have an additional core curriculum in place for social studies and science. Computers can enhance early elementary core curriculum work, helping students learn and practice arithmetic, study weather, plants and animals, read maps and learn about their community, and practice reading and writing skills.

Special Needs

Computer intervention can benefit students whose language skills are not at grade level. Research conducted by Torgesen, Wagner and Rashotte at Florida State University shows that computer technology can serve as a long-term solution for dyslexic students because it allows for highly specialized instruction and consistent practice.

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Should Computers Be Used in Early Elementary Schools? | Synonym

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Using technology in the classroom expands usable learning materials and students' experience. According to the U.S. Department of Education, computers increase student engagement and motivation and accelerate learning. A computer should be used to complement the current classroom topic and be integrated in ways that develop intellectual skills.

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I may possibly use this program as part of my research.

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ABCya! * ABCya! * Learning Games and Apps for Kids

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Educational games for grades PreK through 6 that will keep kids engaged and having fun. Topics include math, reading, typing, just-for-fun logic games... and more!

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I plan to study the use of specific technology programs because I
want to find out how it enhances students learning to show growth so that I may
better understand the relationships between technology and learning. 

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I plan to study the use of specific technology programs because I
want to find out how it enhances students learning to show growth so that I may
better understand the relationships between technology and learning. 