Module 4 - Pros and Cons of Integrating Technology

Forget chalkboards - iPads are
where it's at in the classroom!

As teachers in the 21st century, we've all heard how important it is to incorporate technology into the classroom. Roblyer (2016) mentions "digital literacy" in Chapter 9 (specifically about English and language arts), which "refers to skills in using the information that technological devices carry, in addition to skills in using the devices themselves." (p. 422)

In this post, I will identify both advantages and disadvantages of using digital literacy skills to supplement English and language arts instruction, as well as several useful resources from Chapter 9.

Advantages of Integrating Technology

Uncle Sam is pro-technology
and thinks you should be too.

Roblyer (2016) bluntly states that "print-centric texts and the dominant mode in schools of communicating ideas through writing are important but no longer sufficient for learners." (p. 265) When it comes to English and language arts instruction, technology integration has a multitude of benefits.

Technology (such as mobile apps, websites, and word processing software) can be used to support word fluency and vocabulary development, comprehension and literacy development, and the writing process, among other skills. (p. 282) Technology can help differentiate learning for students and provide them with the repetitive practice they need. When students are allowed to use technology to enhance their learning, they become more motivated to be active participants in the learning process. 

Ted Hasselbring eloquently describes Five Reasons Readers Need Technology, a few of which I mentioned above. If you have any doubts about integrating technology into your language arts instruction, I highly encourage you to read Hasselbring's article!

Disadvantages of Integrating Technology

Some old-school practices
are still important!

On the flip side, some general disadvantages to integrating technology include potential access to inappropriate materials, the inability to identify quality web resources, and how easily students may get distracted by technology. (Navajocodetalkersadmin, 2015).

One main disadvantage of technology integration in regards to language arts instruction is the potential lack of writing practice to enhance fine motor skills in young children. This page from the Adventures in Learning website goes into detail about the importance of fine motor skills and gives advice on how to help children develop them.

Specific Activities, Programs, Etc. 

Below are several resources from Chapter 9 that I found useful:

• Scholastic Story Starters
• Zoho Writer
• Wordle
• Brainpop Games

That's all for this week - thanks for stopping by!

Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. New Jersey: Pearson.