Yes, technology in the classroom (even a math classroom) is a must for today's fast- paced society, in which technology is everywhere! It is true, today's generation of learners are much different from those of yesterday and yesteryear, and that's because all the information they encompass comes from gadgets small enough to either carry in their hands, or compact enough to travel with them everywhere they go! Gone are the days that having technology in the classroom meant computers and projectors; here are the days that we have tablets, Smart Boards, and web cams among other items. Sometimes there isn't even an actual classroom when learning may be taking place, not only because we now have online classes, but because today's learners can simply go to any search engine find the information they are looking for (dubbed "Google learners" for obvious reasons).
To me, the point of having technology in the classroom is to make the lesson as relative, informative, and interactive as possible; this does not occur when what is being taught is coming from a PowerPoint presentation in a semi-dimmed room with students feverishly taking notes until the bell. So it may seem a little unorthodox, but I say yes to cellphones in the classroom; they are communication devices as well as computers, and if Google searching a topic helps it make sense to you (as it does for me), then I'm all for it.
Here are a few links with even more information about the benefits of technology in the classroom:
"Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students"
http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html
"Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum?: The Reasons are Many"
http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction
And Remember, Love, Peace, and Teach!
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| iPhone |
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| iPad |
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| Laptop with Webcam |
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