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Bryce P
The issue I decided to research was standardized testing. This is a very controversial issue because people believe it is not an effective measure of learning. In this article the authors explores the reasons why standardized testing is failing the education system. Some of his reason included racial discrimination and teacher spending too much time preparing for a test. I agree with the author because standard test to not accurately show a students knowledge. Relying on a test to see what a student knows is not effective because there are various outside factors which can deter students from trying on a test.

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Debate over School Uniforms.
Student:Matthew Caruso

The issue I wanted to touch on was school Uniforms. As a student I went to a school with mandatory Uniforms. Many of the things that supporters of Uniforms think they solve are false positives. Even with uniforms, if families are forced to provide them, there will always be a quality difference between poor and wealthy students, they look the same, but don't. Cheaper clothes fade and get dingy, worn till damaged, where other students can afford better quality and replace more frequently. So the idea of diminish economic and social barriers between students seems bogus in my opinion.

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Student: Heather Penrod
The issue I am researching is the idea of having middle school students take algebra, when it used to be strictly a ninth grade subject. In the article I read, the author didn't take a particular stance on the issue, but the person they interviewed did. Dr. Brodkey believes that it's not a simple yes or no answer, but that we shouldn't push kids to take algebra if they aren't ready or if they don't want too. I agree with Dr. Brodkey. Taking algebra before they are ready can lead students have a weak foundation and struggle in all math classes that follow. Forcing students to take algebra early can lead them to dislike math or develop math anxiety. Students would are ready for algebra coursework and algebraic thinking should be given the choice of whether they want to take the class or not.

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Every parent wants to see her child keep up with peers, and these days that means taking algebra in the eighth grade. But sometimes we forget that algebra is a very demanding course, full of sophisticated and abstract ideas. Do students really need to take this higher math course in lower grades, or can it do them more harm than good?

There are two sides to the issue. Politicians like the idea of offering algebra in middle school. They argue that the world has sped up over the past generation; technology has gotten more complicated, ideas more complex. Why not introduce harder concepts at younger ages? In 2008, California lawmakers began a campaign to make algebra mandatory for eighth-graders, a shift that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger compared to President John F. Kennedy's pledge to put a man on the moon.

Meanwhile, many researchers believe that middle school students aren't ready for algebra. In a 2008 letter to the editor of The Ventura County Star, Professor of Education Dr. Bruce Mitchell argued against California's proposal. His letter referenced the studies of Dr. Herman Epstein, who believed that the human brain has rapid growth periods and plateau periods where no growth seems to take place. For most students, the middle school years occur during a plateau stage, and Epstein argued that "the plateau stages were not optimal times for the introduction of new higher-level thought processes, particularly algebra, which eighth-grade students fail more than any other subject. Historically, algebra has been most often offered in grades 10 though 12. That occurs during the age 14-17 growth-spurt stage, when it's OK to teach abstract reasoning concepts."

After listening to these two sides, parents are forced to make a choice: trust the politicians who claim that our children need to take algebra at younger ages, or the researchers who think that our children need to wait. It can be hard to figure out the right path for your child.

To get some answers from a hands-on expert, I spoke with award-winning high school math teacher, Jerry Brodkey. Dr. Brodkey has a PhD from Stanford in Mathematics and Curriculum Education, and has taught math for thirty-one years. He had some definite opinions about the move to teach algebra at younger and younger ages.
The "normal" track for math classes has shifted down in the past ten years.
When Dr. Brodkey began teaching, the normal track was for students to take Algebra I in ninth grade, followed by three years of college-prep math. This worked well for most students, and there was always a way for a select group of students to get ahead by taking algebra in eighth grade and advance to Calculus by their senior year. But in the past ten years, Dr. Brodkey has seen "an explosion of students taking algebra in the eighth grade. In the past five years, I'd call it a super-explosion." The normal track in many schools now has students taking algebra in the eighth grade.
The pressure to stay on the new "normal" track pushes students into math classes for which they are not ready.
Every year, Dr. Brodkey meets with parents whose freshmen have been appropriately placed in algebra. But want to know how they can accelerate their children onto the new "normal" track so they will reach AP Calculus by their senior year. In turn, Dr. Brodkey asks the parents whether the student wants to make this jump, or if it's a parent-driven decision. He asks them to be careful: "When a student is pushed to take a class for which he is not ready, he rarely acquires a lifelong affinity for math. Instead, he develops a desire to get out of math classes as fast as possible." He has found that when these students get to Calculus, they can struggle. They can do the first step in the problem, but not the next nine that require solid algebra skills.
Parents push their children onto this track because they think it's necessary for college admissions.
Parents are feeling tremendous pressure about getting their children into college. They are seeing students with a 4.3 GPA get turned away from top universities, and they are desperate to find an advantage for their child. But from Dr. Brodkey's perspective, pushing a child onto the Calculus track doesn't always help: "I think that college admissions officers like to see a student with a solid foundation, effective communication skills, and a record of working well with others, not someone who has struggled to fit in an extra AP class."
The move to introduce algebra in lower grades comes from politicians, not teachers.
Like many teachers, Dr. Brodkey questions the motives for California's campaign for eighth grade algebra: "I think that this push is part of a political agenda to show rigor in the schools. I can't see how it's a positive; it's not a student-centered decision. Any student can learn algebra, but the timing is critical." Algebra is an extremely challenging course, even more so than Calculus. Teachers introduce a brand-new topic every three or four weeks, and expect complete mastery. Thirteen and fourteen-year-old students are still developing their emotional and organizational skills, and algebra is a course that punishes any immaturity a student may have.
Algebra can be taught at lower ages, if it's introduced slowly.
Dr. Brodkey approves of the movement to layer algebraic concepts into early education. He asks his eight-year-old daughter questions like, "What number plus eight will make twelve?" He talks to his ten-year-old son about inequalities. But he feels that the traditional way algebra is taught now, with its demanding pace, is not appropriate for all middle school students. "Eighth grade algebra is fine for some students," he says, "and there may even be one or two students per school who benefit from the increasing hyper-acceleration of algebra into the seventh grade. But to make it an expectation for all students is not doing them any good."
The age at which a student takes algebra must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
The age at which a student takes algebra is an important and individual decision, not one that should be made by blanket policies. Parents and teachers must work closely together to determine a student's placement. If you're a parent wondering whether to accelerate your student, there are some clues to look for. Algebra-ready kids are:

If you think your child is struggling in any one of these three areas, you can do him a favor by waiting another year before enrolling him in algebra. Placing your child in the right math class will teach him to feel successful and confident about his math skills. But pushing him up when he's not yet ready can bring on a case of math anxiety that will last for a lifetime.

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Higher Math in Lower Grades: Hurting or Helping Kids?

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Every parent wants to see her child keep up with peers, and these days that means taking algebra in the eighth grade. But sometimes we forget that algebra is a very demanding course, full of sophisticated and abstract ideas. Do students really need to take this higher math course in lower grades, or can it do them more harm than good?

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Student: Brianna Ginder
https://tablets-textbooks.procon.org/
There was never one side preference in this article but rather it showed the benefits and the negatives to each side. I personally think that textbooks are better and that students learn better from having it physically in front of them. I see the benefits of tablets though. In math classes, they are helpful with graphing, showing 3D shapes, etc. I stand more o the textbook side of the argument if I had to pick.

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Student: Sam Charlton

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-value-of-standardized_b_3684212

Claim: Such testing gives the teacher important diagnostic information about what each child is learning in relation to what he has been taught.

Dr. Gale Gross (the author) is pro standardized testing. I agree with this stance as I think standardized testing provides a basic level of understanding for teachers to evaluate their students learning.

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https://ed.stanford.edu/in-the-media/what039s-right-amount-homework
Student: Stephen Naylor
This article breaches the topic of the quantity of homework assigned across grade-levels. The author takes the stance that homework relevance is more important than its quantity, but that there does come a point that homework quantities are too extreme whether it is relevant or not. I agree with the author's claim.

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Student Name: Sarah Kim

https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/dualimmersionequity/
Author: Evelyn C. Baca

Baca defines one-way and dual immersion, specifying the benefits of each and who each method serves.

She makes a claim that dual immersion is incredibly valuable, shows examples of how that enhances DLL's (dual language learners), and details an extreme case in which an English-only policy is enforced and isolates DLL's entirely.

This article is extremely thorough with reporting solid evidence that would back their claim. Looking to their evidence, and the consequences that come with the other extreme on the spectrum of systematic exclusion, I agree with Baca's stance.

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This issue covers whether books in libraries (school and public) should ban certain books based on their content. My article discusses how banning books and fighting against book bans can be a way to ensure intellectual freedom; however, libraries should look at what books they buy in the first place and for what audience to make sure that intellectual freedom is present on all levels of book purchasing and does not exclude certain members of the community/population. I personally agree. I am generally against banning books, although it definitely must be a case by case basis, and I also agree that the problems that stem from the banned book controversy can also be a distraction from the true issues regarding intellectual freedom.

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Random Ramblings- Does the Focus on Banned Books Subtly Undermine

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Reprogram the School System (Segregation)

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Reprogram the School System (Segregation)

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The school system has become unequal and needs to have a reboot. The way the school system is built divides the students by race. Schools are funded by the district they are in. The richer the school district the more funding it receives. If your neighborhood is poor and people pay less taxes, then school receives less funding. I agree that districts determining how much funding school receives is flawed. If a district improves and people move to it, it causes other districts to lose funding. A big change needs to be made.

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Analysis | The sad story of public education in St. Louis

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This is the story of public education in St. Louis and the challenges it has faced, an instructive tale in an era when the U.S. president and education secretary are intent on increasing alternatives to traditional public schools. Rich in history and detail, the piece is long, but worth the time.

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Raising public school teacher pay: What the research says

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Raising public school teacher pay: What the research says

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By: Denise-Marie Ordway
Claim: Raising public school teacher pay will improve teacher candidates, teacher retention, teacher performance, and student performance.
I agree with this because of the many case studies that prove this claim. For example, I believe raising teacher pay to a fair and livable wage is more likely to draw better teacher candidates and keep them from getting jobs elsewhere, just as any other employee in other jobs.
https://journalistsresource.org/studies/society/education/school-teacher-pay-research/
- Kourtney Morrison

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Jacob Sabbagh

My article basically says that tenure is a great thing so teachers can have job security and be able to speak out against administration. It also says that tenure is given out way too easily and mediocre/poor teachers can use tenure as a way to coast through without improving their craft. Basically it says to keep tenure but make it harder to get. I agree with this and think that tenure is great in the right teachers hands and terrible in the wrong teachers hands

https://www.edutopia.org/teacher-tenure-debate

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my article talks about the how the policies of different school districts have been changing their uniform policy. it says that every school district has a different process to determine the school policies. a paper from  Australian state education said that school uniforms have several different sides from political to social. the claim of this article is that there should be policies, we just need to find the perfect balance.
file:///C:/Users/Taylor%20Bolef/Downloads/school%20uniforms.pdf

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Morgan McCulloch
https://www.procon.org/headline.php?headlineID=005411
My article discusses the pros and cons of assigning homework to students. The article didn't really strongly argue for or against but the claim I got from this article is that homework is beneficial when it is implemented effectively. I agree with this claim, homework is definitely beneficial but how much is too much before it loses its value.

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This article debated the pros and cons of incorporating technology in the classroom. The main claim suggests having  technology (tablets) in the classroom is a pro. The author provides information on government funding and also lists other tools that educators could use in accompaniment with tablets. Ultimately, this is something I can agree (the benefits of having tablets in the classroom) with but I also see the cons. The issue with accessibility to WiFi and other required technology resources can be a major issue because every family does not have WiFi. Yet, I also think this issue is figure-out-able, like having every student save their research articles before going home so WiFi will not be an issue.

-Colleen Ducey

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Textbook publishing in the United States is an $11 billion industry, with five companies - Cengage Learning, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, Pearson Education, and Scholastic - capturing about 80% of this market. Tablets are an $18 billion industry with 53% of US adults, 81% of US children aged eight to 17, and 42% of US children aged under eight, owning a tablet. As tablets have become more prevalent, a new debate has formed over whether K-12 school districts should switch from print textbooks to digital textbooks on tablets and e-readers.

Proponents of tablets say that they are supported by most teachers and students, are much lighter than print textbooks, and improve standardized test scores. They say that tablets can hold hundreds of textbooks, save the environment by lowering the amount of printing, increase student interactivity and creativity, and that digital textbooks are cheaper than print textbooks.

Opponents of tablets say that they are expensive, too distracting for students, easy to break, and costly/time-consuming to fix. They say that tablets contribute to eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision, increase the excuses available for students not doing their homework, require costly Wi-Fi networks, and become quickly outdated as new technologies are released.

2012 marked the first time that more people accessed the Internet via smartphones and tablets than desktop or laptop computers. Approximately 163 million tablets were shipped worldwide in 2017. A joint report by McKinsey and the GSMA predicts the mobile education market could be worth $70 billion globally by 2020, and predicts demand for mobile education devices, like smartphones and tablets, may be worth another $32 billion by the same time frame.

26% of Americans read e-books in 2018, up from 21% in 2012. Among children age six to 17, the percentage of those who have read an e-book has increased from 25% in 2010 to 61% in 2015. In 2017, 45% of children aged six to 17 said they preferred print books to e-books, while 16% preferred e-books; 38% said they had no preference.

In 2010, Amazon announced e-books were outselling paper books, and in 2012, e-book revenue exceeded that of hardcover books for the first time ever. As of Feb. 2017, 83% of e-books sold in the US were purchased on Amazon, at a rate of over one million downloads a day. 487,298,000 e-books were sold in the US between Feb. 2016 and Feb. 2017, making up 42% of all book sales.

In 2014, about 90% of all textbooks used in higher education were available as e-books through Vital Source; by 2018, the service offered over 20 million digital textbooks from over 1,000 publishers for higher education and grades K-12.
Federal Initiatives in Education Technology
In Nov. 2010, the US Department of Education released its National Education Technology Plan, a detailed blueprint on how schools can improve learning with technology. Among its recommendations is to leverage mobile devices (the technology students already have) in the classroom.

On Feb. 1, 2012, the US Department of Education and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in collaboration with several tech organizations, released a downloadable "Digital Textbook Playbook" to "encourage collaboration, accelerate the development of digital textbooks and improve the quality and penetration of digital learning in K-12 public education."

In 2013, President Obama tasked the FCC with spearheading a five-year project that aimed to provide all schools and libraries with access to high-speed broadband connections in order to facilitate improvements in digital learning. Launching the ConnectEd program, President Obama noted that, "[w]e are living in a digital age, and to help our students get ahead, we must make sure they have access to cutting-edge technology."

The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 created a grant program which authorizes up to $1.6 billion annually for school districts to support digital learning. Schools can use grant money to fund a variety of activities such as teacher-training programs on the effective use of digital technologies in the classroom, provide resources to students in under-served communities, and fund blended-learning projects taught partly online and partly in the classroom.
State Initiatives in Education Technology
State initiatives regarding digital learning in K-12 education vary. According to the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), some states "require the implementation of digital instructional materials" in K-12 schools while others "allow the implementation of digital instructional materials." Several states have dedicated state funding for digital instructional materials and devices. More than 10 states have guidance for school districts on how they can use digital learning in place of school attendance when closures are necessary due to bad weather.

A number of states operate virtual schools that provide students, especially those living in rural areas, with the opportunity to take classes that are not offered in their local schools. A number of these state-run virtual schools also offer professional development training for teachers alongside support with digital learning resources. Operating since the early 2000s, by 2016, 24 states had state-run virtual schools. Traditionally serving high school students in grades 9-12, virtual schools have expanded their offerings with some now offering courses from kindergarten through grade 12.
Internet Access and Tablet Use in K-12 Schools
K-12 schools spend $5.8 billion annually on printed instructional materials and $2.5 billion on digital resources. Many districts, schools, and states have begun transitioning their instructional materials from paper textbooks to digital learning environments, with 75% of K-12 teachers believing that printed textbooks will be completely replaced by digital content by 2026. The Center for Digital Education reports that, during the 2017-2018 school year, 82% of K-12 school districts surveyed used digital textbooks.

Despite the proliferation of digital learning, only about 28% of K-12 schools worldwide offered formal digital citizenship programs designed to teach students appropriate and responsible use of internet-enabled devices in 2017.

A survey by Deloitte found that 90% of children use digital learning materials or devices outside of school, with two-thirds starting by age five. Research by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation found that 96.5% of high school students across the country said they needed to use the internet for class assignments outside of school, and nearly half reported there had been times they were unable to complete their homework due to lack of access to the internet or a computer.
Opinions on Tablets and Textbooks
In a 2017 global survey of K-12 teachers in 89 countries by Schoology, 95% of teachers responded positively in response to the question "in your opinion, does digital or blended learning positively impact student growth or achievement?" with 52% saying "very much" and 43% saying "somewhat."

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History of Tablets vs. Textbooks - ProCon.org

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Textbook publishing in the United States is an $11 billion industry, with five companies - Cengage Learning, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, Pearson Education, and Scholastic - capturing about 80% of this market. [53][54] Tablets are an $18 billion industry with 53% of US adults, 81% of US children aged eight to 17, and 42% of [...]Read More...

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This article did not have a strong claim. I think EZ Texting is for Tablets but they did not directly say. I do think that tablets are better than textbooks

-Angelina Grasso

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Will textbooks one day be an ancient artifact that students learn about on their tablets?

Bill Gates thinks so.

In February 2019, Gates caused a stir when he said that textbooks are becoming obsolete. "Thanks to software, the standalone textbook is becoming a thing of the past."

Is he right?

In this post, we'll take a look at the tablets vs. textbooks debate, analyze trends in digital usage by students, and explore school communication technology options.

Tablets vs. Textbooks: Does It Even Matter?

The tablet vs. textbook debate is one that has been going on for quite some time, and with more and more technology entering the classroom, this debate won't end anytime soon. The questions this leads many people to ask are, "Are tablets a suitable learning tool for students?" and "Should they be replaced by textbooks?" There is no denying that tablets are incredibly brilliant tools. We use them to communicate with family and friends, organize our schedules, and find new information. But when placed in a classroom, how well will students be able to learn?

The debate as to whether more school districts should make the digital leap is met with fierce opposition from publishers as well as other tech naysayers, who see the value of printed textbooks unrivaled by tablets.

Let's take a look at the pros and cons of both sides.

Pros and Cons of Tablets

Pro #1: Easily Adaptable

Students today learn and engage differently with technology than previous generations. Tablets allow students to feel empowered by the learning process by playing to their strengths. It also provides them the opportunity to learn how to use computers for the rest of their lives. Across many industries, computers power a lot of what we do professionally, so introducing this as an educational tool will help set them up for future career success.

Pro #2: More Capacity

One tablet has the ability to store more books than a student will ever need for the entire duration of their education. Tablets can also be used to store homework, quizzes, and tests - eliminating heavy loads from students' backpacks and desks.

Pro #3: Access to the Latest Information

Tablets aid teachers in providing their students with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, allowing lesson plans to be updated in real time. Publishers have been criticized for making minor amendments to text volumes and charging schools top dollar for new editions. Once textbooks go digital, the print costs will be eliminated, which will result in textbook savings of as much as 60% for school districts.

Con #1: Cost

The initial investment in technology can be steep for some students and schools. Not all educators or families can afford them, and the student experience should not be based on what people can or cannot afford. Everyone should have access to learning materials. Along the same lines, tablets have high curb appeal and run the risk of getting stolen if mistakenly left in a public place.

Con #2: Overexposure

Overexposing students to blue-light screens is one of the bigger risks of computer-based learning. It can be difficult for students to separate "computer time for learning" and "computer time for playing", thus, leading them to spend time browsing the Internet or on social media sites when they should instead be following a lesson plan. This could ultimately affect their ability to concentrate on the task at hand.

Pros and Cons of Textbooks

Pro #1: Strategic Learning

When analyzing the benefits of textbooks or tablets, one of the biggest advantages is that textbooks are professionally curated documents. They have been organized in the best way to present the information in a logical order and are fact-checked by academic professionals.

Pro #2: Better Absorption

It is common knowledge that handwriting notes allows for better absorption in remembering important teachings and lessons. This experience is very similar when reading a typed book vs on a computer screen and is said to play a key role in the learning process.

Con #1: Outdated Information

It goes without saying that the biggest disadvantage of textbooks is the use of outdated information when the latest version is not yet available. Great teachers can combat this by providing additional pointers to provide the most up to date data, however, this approach runs the risk that not all relevant information will be relayed.

Con #2: Cost

On the flip-side of the cost debate, it can be argued that students and schools will pay more in the long-run for printed textbooks. Because there are no printing or shipping costs associated with content in tablets, electronic versions may be less expensive than printed textbooks.

Why Research Says Textbooks Are Better Than Tablets

In recent years, some interesting research has shed more light on the tablets vs. textbooks debate.

Researchers Patricia A. Alexander and Lauren M. Singer Trakhman found that while students preferred digital text to printed and believed they learned better with digital, the opposite turned out to be true.

Students overwhelming preferred to read digitally.

Reading was significantly faster online than in print.

Students judged their comprehension as better online than in print.

Paradoxically, overall comprehension was better for print versus digital reading.

The medium didn't matter for general questions (like understanding the main idea of the text).

But when it came to specific questions, comprehension was significantly better when participants read printed texts.

Alexander and Trakhman point out that there are indications that the speed with which students read texts affects comprehension. And, since students naturally read digital texts faster than print texts, the difference could be associated with a learned trait that could be adjusted.

Because we tend to skim more on the web, we train ourselves to read faster in that medium. So, it could be argued that students can be retrained to read digital texts more methodically to increase comprehension.

Trends in Digital Usage Among Teens and College Students

One thing that can't be argued is that teens and college students are using technology more than ever before.

Fully 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45% say they are online 'almost constantly.' Pew Internet

In the mid-2010s, the average American 12th-grader reported spending approximately two hours a day texting, just over two hours a day on the internet - which included gaming - and just under two hours a day on social media. That's a total of about six hours per day on just three digital media activities during their leisure time. American Psychological Association

Between 2012 and 2018, the percentage of teens who use social media more than once a day more than doubled from 34% to 70%. Statistia

Seventy-two percent of teens say they check messages as soon as they wake up, but so do almost 60% of parents. Pew Research

That said, how can schools leverage today's tech to connect with students, parents, and staff in a meaningful way?

Technology for School Communication

While the jury is still out on the tablets vs. textbooks debate, schools have easier choices when it comes to other uses of technology.

In the statistics above, we saw that teens check their messages first thing in the morning and spend an average of two hours a day texting.

Our own research has shown that contacts read 98% of texts sent from our platform and 90% of texts are read within three minutes of receipt. Compare that with a 21% open rate of emails and you can see just how powerful text messages are.

For schools looking to communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff, mass text messaging beats all other communications channels handily.

If you've yet to explore bulk text messaging for your school, we have a resource which will give you some great ideas of how you can use Short Message Service (SMS) texting to make your school better. Our free Text Message Marketing Playbook for Schools, Colleges, and Universities includes 16 types of messages for educational institutions.

These include:

Special Event Reminders

Severe Weather Alerts

Emergency Notifications

Surveys

Class Supply Lists

Volunteer Communications

Educational Tips

And more!

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Textbooks vs. Tablets: Which is Better for Students? | EZ Texting

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Will textbooks one day be an ancient artifact that students learn about on their tablets? Bill Gates thinks so. In February 2019, Gates caused a stir when he said that textbooks are becoming obsolete. "Thanks to software, the standalone textbook is becoming a thing of the past." Is he right?

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Claim: The achievement gap is due to lack of early education.

I agree with this claim. There are other reasons but this one is a major contributor.

https://www.kipp.org/news/noodle-solutions-to-the-achievement-gap-according-to-teachers/

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William Price: Teaching Controversial Topics

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William Price: Teaching Controversial Topics

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This article discusses the importance of teaching controversial issues in the classroom. It quickly makes the argument that yes, in fact, controversy is a good thing. The article goes on to discuss data gained via interviews with social studies teachers. I agree that controversial topics should be taught in the classroom. As teachers, it's our responsibility to help kids prepare for lives as citizens and functioning adults. Encountering opinions that differ from your own is a part of adulthood, and being able to develop their own opinions and create their own solutions is vital to their success.

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My article is about the pro's and con's of technology in the classroom. The author takes the opinion that technology in the classroom is great, he also takes it a step further by saying that technology is actually just another tool in the teachers tool belt.

I agree with the author that technology is an amazing thing for the classroom and it ultimately comes down to how the technology is being used in the classroom not just necessarily the technology itself.

-Shawn Voney

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Technology in education is the biggest change in teaching we will ever see. For years, policy makers, teachers, parents and students alike have been weighing the potential benefits of technology in education against its risks and consequences.

Prior to March 2020, some would say that technology allowed you to experiment in pedagogy, democratize the classroom and reach Generation Z students. Others may have argued that technology in the classroom could promote cheating. But after 2020, technology in education has become essential-especially as the COVID-19 pandemic forced higher ed and public schools to swap face-to-face instruction for distance learning.

Below, we share 20 best practices for using technology in the classroom-and offer workable solutions that will help you meet the needs of your students. You can also download our free guide, which highlights how five acclaimed educators use technology to help their students excel in any course.

How technology can support learning outcomes for today's students

Students are digital natives. They've grown up with technology; it's woven into their lives. In fact, it's one of the basic 21st-century skills that they'll need in school and the workplace.

Technology integration in the classroom now begins during elementary school and carries through to high school and higher education. But using computer technology in the classroom isn't just about digital devices in class-it relates to anything that facilitates an interaction between teacher and student. Technology in education programs could be seen as a culprit, or it could be harnessed to improve student engagement and effectiveness-and that's what we'll discuss below.

"Digital education is generating new learning opportunities as students engage in online, digital environments and as faculty change educational practices through the use of hybrid courses, personalized instruction, new collaboration models and a wide array of innovative, engaging learning strategies," says David Goodrum, Director of Academic Technology and Information Services at Oregon State University.

"Furthermore, a 21st century view of learner success requires students to not only be thoughtful consumers of digital content, but effective and collaborative creators of digital media, demonstrating competencies and communicating ideas through dynamic storytelling, data visualization and content curation," Goodrum says.

Types of classroom technology

Education technology allows you to engage, interact with, and inspire students in and out of your class. Plus, certain types of technology tools like podcasts or video streaming platforms can help meet the unique learning styles of your cohort. Many of the technologies below are used to operate online education programs-including lectures, labs, group meetings or class tutorials. Plenty of higher education institutions have already integrated some of the following technology tools into their degree programs today.

Learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Moodle and Blackboard allow you to manage courses, assign homework and tests, and track student grades.

Digital courseware such as ebook products by Pearson, McGraw-Hill and Macmillan can be used to create and distribute teaching resources (such as textbooks or question packs) to students as a way to create engaging homework experiences.

Classroom response systems including iClicker and Poll Everywhere help students reflect on their learning via polls or discussions in class.

Virtual classroom tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom are used to host synchronous online lectures and let participants engage in breakout rooms or 'share their screen' with one another.

Remote proctoring software like Proctorio and Honorlock help maintain academic integrity by monitoring student behavior during tests and flag behavior indicative of cheating.

This article looks at the pros and cons of using technology in the classroom. We'll also share the advantages and disadvantages of technology in the classroom when incorporating new digital teaching and assessment techniques into your lesson plans.

8 pros and cons of using technology for student engagement

The pros:

1. Technology in the classroom helps ensure full participation

Online polling and other digital tools help to engage all students, including shy students who wouldn't normally raise their hands in class. Online engagement systems allow you to regularly check in with students for feedback on course materials and assignments. Student insights can also be used to help spot areas where learners might be struggling.

Student response systems help learners measure their understanding of a topic while professors can see what areas they need to review. For instance, iClicker offers questions that may be multiple choice or true or false. Students are then asked to identify a correct answer to a question in exchange for participation points from a professor. Clickers, virtual classroom software and assessment platforms like Socrative or Kahoot! can make for great engagement tools for educators looking to enhance their lectures. Student response systems help foster digital citizenship in the classroom and give students an opportunity to engage in class and get rewarded for it at the same time.

Another active learning technique that education technology can facilitate is offering students quizzes (not for credit). At the beginning of the class, students can gauge familiarity with a subject by taking a quick, anonymous quiz on the topic you're teaching-and this can also inform and direct what you need to focus on. At the end of the class, facilitating the same quiz again allows all students to gauge what they do and don't understand.

2. Using technology in the classroom allows you to experiment more in pedagogy and get instant feedback

Technology allows for more active learning. You can increase engagement through online polling or asking quiz questions during online lectures, with instantaneous results. If you're using a digital textbook, subject matter is dynamic and timely with embedded links to relevant materials or immersive multimedia.

Whether adding a single tool for a specific project or term, or making a more dramatic change such as a flipped classroom, being well-versed in technology can help build credibility with students and even fellow colleagues. Video conferencing software, live polls and discussion boards are all ways to form feedback loops with your students. An LMS such as Moodle and polling software like Poll Everywhere can also help educators get an instant understanding of student comprehension.

3. There are countless resources for enhancing education and making learning more fun and effective

From apps and e-textbooks to organizational platforms, there's no shortage of tools that can transform the classroom. Some instructors are turning toward classroom 'gamification,' the use of competitive scenarios, and the distribution of points and rewards to make the online classroom more fun and engaging. The key to ensuring these methods are also effective is designing them to support your course learning objectives. Digital storytelling, where students use simulations to immerse themselves in a fictional environment, can make learning more exciting and relatable for students. Gamification also allows for interactive lessons and can reduce passivity in the classroom.

Some gamification activities introduce healthy competition to your class. In role play, for example, students are asked to pose arguments on behalf of historical figures. Technology can greatly aid the implementation of classroom games, while students may be incentivized to complete their assessments. Blended learning can also play an effective role here, whereby student curriculum is partially delivered in person and partially via digital means.

4. Technology makes it simple for students to collaborate and engage in group work outside of class

Gone are the days when one student was tasked with creating a PowerPoint presentation for a group. Through technology, students can start working on a project together in class and seamlessly collaborate, communicate and bounce ideas off one another using social media, interactive whiteboards and more. Physical and social barriers no longer exist, letting students work together from anywhere and at any time. Technology has also enabled students to engage in spontaneous discussions and find instant answers to problems or questions they may have about a topic.

The cons:

5. Technology in the classroom can be a distraction

Tech savvy students may find it hard to concentrate in class when a wide range of digital devices are around them. It can be hard to keep students' attention while lecturing behind a screen, but James Lang, Professor of English and the Director of the D'Amour Center for Teaching Excellence at Assumption College, has a solution. Lang argues that change renews attention-meaning that if students are starting to tune out, it's time to incorporate opportunities for class discussions. Lang calls these moments 'signature attention activities' as they are designed to spark engagement in the midst of a slump.

Matthew Numer, an assistant professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dalhousie University, says in an article for The Chronicle of Higher Education that banning laptops is an "insult" to students. "Our students are capable of making their own choices, and if they choose to check Snapchat instead of listening to your lecture, then that's their loss. Besides, it's my responsibility as an educator to ensure that my lecture is compelling. If my students aren't paying attention, if they're distracted, that's on me." To Numer, students glancing at their mobile devices may indicate that a course's curriculum and instruction needs to be revamped.

This makes the notion of creating a structure and culture of respect all the more important from day one. Identify specific projects, opportunities for breaks and your intentions for participation and engagement using technology in the classroom. Creating expectations and guidelines for students-and sticking to them-will be important for them in respecting your boundaries.

6. Technology can disconnect students from social interactions

Many people are skeptical of technology and what it does to students', and everyone else's, ability to verbally communicate.

By creating assignments in class that use both technological tools as well as oral presentations and group collaboration, student learning has the potential to become more dynamic and interactive. Participation can also go beyond verbal communication. Consider how your LMS, discussion board or live chat can be leveraged to increase student engagement.

7. Technology can foster cheating in class and on assignments

Students have always found ways to cheat, but the digital age makes it even easier-from copying-and-pasting someone else's work to hiring an essay-writer from an online essay mill. Here, digital technology could end up hindering students' professional development.

While technology could be seen as yet another avenue for cheating, it's possible to structure assignments and exams in a way that makes cheating difficult. Alternatively, you can make exams open-book and focus on problem-solving and mastery rather than retention. Some classroom software allows you to set questions that are subtly different for every student, making them focus on the technique rather than the answer. Ed tech software such as Turnitin is already well-established in most higher education settings. With COVID-19, some institutions have relied on proctoring software to maintain academic integrity from a distance. These assistive tools can help professors maintain academic integrity.

8. Classroom technology doesn't necessarily make students more accountable

While it can certainly help, technology use in the classroom doesn't always mean students are more likely to stay on top of their deliverables. For example, it can be tricky to know if your students are viewing the full lecture recordings or coming to class having completed their assigned readings. Social media and other ed tech platforms don't necessarily indicate completion. Some LMS providers may show if a student has opened a file, but that only says so much. Whether students have reviewed, absorbed and are able to retain that information is a question that-like traditional learning materials-not all classroom tech can solve.

7 pros and cons of using classroom technology to increase flexibility

The pros:

9. Technology can automate a lot of your tedious tasks

Automation can speed up tedious, time-consuming tasks, such as keeping track of student attendance and performance. Engagement tools can help streamline grading for writing assignments, discussions and participation, as well as answer common student questions, which otherwise could seem daunting due to their objective nature.

The canonical example of this? One professor at Georgia Tech coded an artificially intelligent teaching assistant. ' Jill Watson' was able to answer a selection of student questions and pass any that she couldn't handle to a real person. Integrating technology in the classroom has the potential to reduce the amount of time spent on minor tasks.

10. Technology in college classrooms gives students instant access to fresh information that can supplement their learning experience

There is value in having textbooks and course materials that are always up to date, which can even include additions suggested by students. This also fosters a more collaborative learning environment-students can share information, work together on group projects and interact with their instructor online. Collaboration between professors and their students is put into practice through a learning management system (LMS) such as Moodle or Blackboard, where professors upload new content for students to review online.

Educational technology enables students to engage in an ongoing cycle of learning: before, during and after class. Student response systems such as clickers can also help learners apply their understanding of concepts covered in class and can indicate areas that need to be reviewed. For Generation Z, technology is arguably the best way to meet student needs. Demian Hommel, Senior Instructor of Geography and Environmental Sciences and Marine Resource Management at Oregon State University, uses a classroom response system to poll students every few minutes during lectures. "Using technology to help students understand the trends and patterns that are going to affect them is transformative," he says.

"Using technology to help students understand the trends and patterns that are going to affect them is transformative." -Professor Demian Hommel

11. Students have the choice to learn in real time or at their own pace

Using technology in the classroom has given students more choice in, and control over, their learning experiences. Learning tools have also given professors the flexibility in how to deliver their lectures or labs. For instance, students can tune into live-streamed lectures hosted at a specific time, while others can view lecture recordings on their own if they're unable to attend a live session. Plus, real-time lessons in online learning can help students feel a great sense of belonging and camaraderie that would otherwise be lost.

Asynchronous learning provides a new level of flexibility for both students and educators. For example, instead of waiting for students to show up at your office, host your office hours via Zoom and let your students know that they're free to drop by during a given time frame. Additionally, technology can be used to help students take asynchronous tests. Just make a test available on your LMS for a 48-hour period so that students can take their assessment at a time and place that works for them.

12. Address the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines with thoughtful technology use

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for ensuring your course delivery meets the needs of all students. It's the ultimate way to provide flexibility in how, when and where learning takes place. The three tenets of this framework are providing multiple means of engagement, representation and expression.

In order to represent content in a variety of ways, you might consider complementing a textbook reading with a podcast. Alternatively, multiple ways of expressing students' understanding could mean offering students learning opportunities through journal articles or video reflections. Finally, multiple forms of engagement might mean gauging students' interests at the start of the term through icebreakers or a student interest inventory-and then use these insights to tailor your units of study accordingly.

The cons:

13. Lesson planning might become more labor-intensive with technology

The task of adapting technology into your classroom can seem daunting or overwhelming. In many ways though, using technology can become as natural to you as any daily activity.

When you're choosing classroom technology, it's important to engage with the software vendor and make sure you have the appropriate level of support in place. Some questions you should ask include whether they supply training or onboarding, and what their reliability statistics and support functions are. After all, you don't need to be the person all the students come to if the technology goes offline.

The most important factor is to allow yourself time to learn how to use a new ed tech tool and make sure you ask for, and receive, the support that you need.

14. Students don't have equal access to technological resources

An online education should be accessible to students. But some students can't afford iPads or even the textbooks required for class. Others simply do not have reliable Internet access. Point these students in the direction of your institution's library or community resources, or create assignments that allow them to work in groups and share resources. You might also consider using open educational resources (OER), which provide a cost-effective alternative to the traditional college textbook. Don't make technology the focus of your class, and don't make it a barrier. Incorporate it in a holistic and inclusive manner-and ensure you do your part to find equitable learning solutions.

15. Technology in education can create privacy concerns

Video conferencing or web-hosting solutions have brought with them some concerns around data protection. For example, do platforms offer end-to-end encryption in basic plans provided to students? Social media handles set up as part of a tutorial or learning activity can also lead to student information being accessed by a wider audience than intended. What's more, Zoombombing-disruptive intrusions into a video conference call-became a common occurrence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And though they maintain academic integrity, remote proctoring solutions can make test-takers feel uncomfortable. Students may not want to have their homes shown in front of a proctor and being monitored can increase stress and anxiety.

5 pros and cons of using technology to aid instructional design

The pros:

16. We live in a digital world, and technology is an essential life skill

Being digitally literate is more than obtaining "isolated technological skills," according to the NMC Horizon Report: 2017 Higher Education Edition. Rather, it's about "generating a deeper understanding of the digital environment, enabling intuitive adaptation to new contexts and [the] co-creation of content with others." Here, the traditional whiteboard is almost extinct, while technology has never been more essential in the virtual classroom. Creating presentations, learning to differentiate reliable from unreliable sources on the Internet and maintaining proper online netiquette are all vital skills that students will learn to develop in the classroom.

Technology use can also help universities deliver a better return on the investment students pay for their education-as well as make learning relevant to a primarily Generation Z audience. Mobile technology in classrooms is a must-have if students want to be prepared for almost any career today. Student achievement may be boosted if they have the means to continue working on projects outside of the classroom.

17. Classroom technology is a cost-effective alternative to traditional course materials

Technology can help save students hundreds during a semester. Rather than asking students to buy a copy of five different textbooks, some professors might want to direct students to their institution's library or adopt open source textbooks.

Using technology in the classroom has its benefits for the environment as well. Institutions can reduce the amount they spend on ink and paper by distributing important documents in a centralized digital location. As opposed to asking students to buy a print book from your campus bookstore, authoring your own digital, interactive book can help students save big. Katie Thompson-Laswell, Senior Instructor of Human Development and Family Science at Kansas State University, was able to save her students $70 on course materials in the spring 2019 semester. Two years later, new cohorts of students continue to enjoy a low-cost, interactive homework experience from anywhere.

The cons:

18. The quality of research and sources students find may not be credible

The Internet is a blessing and a curse. Your students may need guidance on identifying legitimate and unreliable sources. Many colleges have writing centers that can help with this. You can also use OER-ranging from lecture notes, examinations, assignments and textbooks-and adapt them to fit the needs of your course and students. How can you tell if content is written by a competent authority? Use these tips to find effective OERs. Top Hat's Catalog-filled with hundreds of low-cost, interactive textbooks-is also a reliable source of OER you can use, regardless of your discipline or teaching modality.

19. Some classroom technologies could eventually replace professors

Classroom technology has helped position educators as a 'guide on the side' versus a 'sage on the stage.' But that shift in the role that professors play has the potential to put them on the sidelines-especially with online learning. Technology has automated many learning processes such as grading. With asynchronous online learning especially, it's possible that students could now have little-to-no interactions with their educators compared to their experiences in the traditional classroom.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which prioritize unlimited participation and open access, let students gain an unrestricted learning experience without a professor present. Platforms like Coursera let students watch on-demand video lectures from leading universities and companies for a fraction of the cost of a university degree. These platforms even offer selective degree and certificate programs. Other platforms like LinkedIn Learning prioritize skill-based learning, which allows students to complete courses or learning modules at their own pace-without the guidance of an instructor.

20. Institutions' lack of IT support can make it challenging to evaluate and implement new classroom technologies

Where do you begin if you're new to teaching? Educators may understandably feel overwhelmed when adopting new tools and platforms to meet the needs of their Generation Z students. While colleges may have a site-wide license for a particular LMS, educators are often left to their own resources to decide how to bring their material to life. Depending on the scale and quality of instructional design services offered at their institution, this can be a lengthy and uneasy process.

How classroom technology can help you meet your teaching goals next semester

This past academic year has highlighted the essential role that technology plays in student learning. No matter where you're teaching next semester, the best practices for using classroom technology below can help make your course more engaging, interactive and active. For additional advice, download our free guide on how to effectively use technology in your next face-to-face, hybrid or online classroom.

Eliminate distractions in class

1. Use frequent polls to make sure students pay attention-and to hold them accountable
2. Begin lessons with a game or icebreaker to encourage focus and collaboration from the start of class

Allow students to learn at their own pace

1. Adopt a flipped classroom model where students can view lecture modules and complete quizzes in advance of live lectures
2. Complement live activities with self-paced exercises such as blog posts or video journal responses, which students can share in your LMS

Create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable speaking out

1. Incorporate an anonymous discussion board during in-class polls
2. Ask your teaching assistants to respond to, and acknowledge, students' contributions in and out of class

Help students stay accountable for their learning outside of your classroom

1. Adopt or author your own digital interactive textbook that includes comprehension questions throughout
2. Keep a digital repository of discussion board prompts or quiz questions and re-quiz students on these concepts in future homework assignments to check for subject mastery

Provide instant feedback on student performance

1. Consider employing low-stakes, multiple choice quizzes that can be auto-graded
2. Grade assignments using a built-in rubric in your LMS and provide personalized feedback upon student request

Technology in the classroom: The final verdict

It's clear that the benefits of technology in the classroom outweigh the cons. But the key to technology in the classroom is always going to be the teacher-student relationship, because that's where the education happens. Technology can be a highly effective tool, but that's all it is-a tool. In today's hyper-connected world, sensible use of technology can enhance education. By using technology as an aid in the classroom, educators can create memorable and impactful learning outcomes for their diverse group of college students. For best practices on how to integrate technology in your classroom next semester, download our free guide packed with tips and tools five professors have used to give their course delivery a boost.

References

1. Kelly, R. (2018, January 11). 7 Ed Tech Trends to Watch in 2018. https://campustechnology.com/Articles/2018/01/11/7-Ed-Tech-Trends-to-Watch-in-2018.aspx?Page=1

2. Dhami, H. (2020, August 13). James Lang's Distracted: Why Students Can't Focus and What You Can Do About It. [Blog post]. https://tophat.com/blog/james-lang-distracted/

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How to Take Advantage of Ed Tech In The Classroom | Top Hat

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Get best practices for enhancing technology in your classroom. Plus, download Top Hat's free guide to make ed tech tools work for your course.