There is a place for laptops, smartphones and MP3 players in classrooms. Students have to be taught how to use them wisely – and teachers must be ever vigilant to ensure that they are being used wisely.
From educators to administrators, everyone must adapt to the use of modern technology in class. iSTOCKPHOTO
The Toronto District School Board’s recent reversal of its four-year-old ban on laptops, smartphones, and MP3 players recognizes that these devices are here to stay, and form an ever-greater part of students’ lives. Educators ignore this technology at their peril. But school administrators will have to provide guidance – in the form of policy and training – to help everyone adapt to the use of modern technology.
Here are some suggested uses and concerns for each type of device.
Laptops are immensely valuable as research and content creation tools. Students can use the Internet for research, as long as they are shown how to differentiate between good and bad information resources. Students and teachers should be taught how to use application software for word processing, podcast and video creation. But laptops provide an easy escape route for students to drift off-topic. Teachers must be mobile, checking in with students to provide help – and watching to be sure that students are remaining on task.
MP3 players, iPods and similar devices are not very useful except for storage of files. If students have both a laptop and an MP3 player that can be used as a memory stick, the MP3 player could be used to store large audio and video files. Otherwise, they can be helpful if a teacher wishes to allow students to listen to music while they work – silently, and with the volume turned down so that other students can’t hear it. It’s an MP3 player, NOT a radio.
Smartphones are still developing as educational tools. Both can be useful in content creation. Almost all have cameras, which can be used to take photos or record video, which can then be downloaded to a laptop for further work. Newer devices can record and edit audio with the proper apps. However, these devices can be even more distracting than laptops, especially if they have games loaded onto them. Teachers must be very vigilant, especially with smartphones. Once a smartphone has been used to create content, it should be put away to prevent its use for calling or texting. Administrators need to provide guidance as to whether students can leave their smartphones on to receive incoming calls in class.
Tablets (iPads) are very similar in use to smartphones; they too can be used to create and edit audio and video content. Teachers should also monitor tablet use as they would monitor laptop use, ensuring that work is being done.
It is possible to use electronic devices in classrooms, as long as students understand how they should be used – and teachers are careful to ensure that students use them smartly.
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Do you agree with the Toronto District School board’s decision to allow cellphones, laptops and other technology in the classroom? How does your school adapt to using these devices? What are the pros and cons of using technology in the classroom from your experience? Share your experiences and advice by posting your thoughts in the Comments section below, and voting in our new Hot Topic poll on the Dialogue Online home page.
About Paul Keery
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