Journal Article Review

Technology in the Classroom

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

As a business teacher I completely understand the relevance of incorporating technology in the classroom. However, simply incorporating technology is not the be all and end all of improving student test scores. Many teachers are unsure of exactly how to incorporate technology in the classroom. I had a professor in college who insisted that if we used a PowerPoint during a lesson we had to list that as technology on our lesson plans. I don’t disagree that the use of PowerPoint isn’t technology; however, simply putting your lecture notes in a PowerPoint instead of hand-writing doesn’t constitute effective technology use in the classroom.

Robert Marzano is widely known in education as a leader in effective classroom strategies. This journal article is based on his approach to teaching. The article discusses technology can have a valuable effect on learning if used properly. The authors explains that by incorporating technology, you turn a classroom from a teacher-centered class to a student-centered class. The students are able to be more actively in charge of what they learn.  The Director of Curriculum and Technology of the Sedgewick Public Schools in Kansas initiated a one-to-one computer program for the district. Many superintendents and faculty from neighboring districts came to visit to see how this technology was implemented. Many left surprised to realize that it wasn’t about the technology specifically, but how it was implemented and changed teaching and learning in the classroom. Technology can certainly benefit special-education students and level the playing field for them. There are many online tutorials for auditory learners and programs that assist students who need visuals.

Effective technology in the classroom is used in conjunction, not instead. It should enhance their learning or demonstrate how the concept is applied in the real world. Students need to know that what they are learning is relevant.

Technology does not necessarily “revolutionize” a classroom. Classrooms are not like a business where equipping them with millions of dollars in technology magically increases scores and students will be off to Harvard. Even though technology is extremely important in the classroom and can truly enhance the educational experience, it is not the answer to automatically improving test scores.