Oh, How the Times Have Changed

H. (2014). The evolution of the classroom - Technology just got better. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXdM-9pdFLw

I am now twenty-one years old.  I have been in school for sixteen years (staring in the year 2000). I think it is time for me to reflect on the technological revolution in education that I have seen unfold before my very eyes.  Not so long ago, my classrooms looked very different than the ones I learn in now at this university.  For example, classrooms in my elementary school years only had one computer, they had an archaic overhead projector on wheels, a TV on wheels that was shared with the entire hallway of classrooms, one computer lab, and no personal technology to speak of.  The internet was a fairly new concept to students, and the main method of contact to parents was through take-home newsletters. 

We are now teaching in a very different world.  In many classrooms that I observe, most students are equipped with some form of personal computer, digital projectors and televisions are built into the structure of the classroom, computer labs are absolutely standard, and students are more versed in technology than I am.  Although this is where the world is headed, I still tend to be a little nostalgic about my simpler classrooms.  I do not think I can argue that simpler was better, but there are certain aspects about it that I miss.  I wish to discuss them here.

One aspect of education that has changed drastically is research.  When I was very young, I remember when the teacher would hand a list of the students’ research topics to the librarian and then he or she would compile a cart of books on our respective topics.  We would use the books as our main sources and learn how to cite them by looking right at them.  Now, a world of sources is at our fingertips.  Students are able to use databases to find scholarly sources on their topic and can use citation engines to create their bibliographies automatically.  Obviously, I am trying to make a point here.  I am always one to stand on the fence regarding the use of convenient technology in some aspects of learning.  Although it is quicker and more effective to find resources online, this can prohibit students from learning other skills.  These may include skills such as knowing how to navigate a library, knowing how to use various formats of citation, and learning how to discriminate between a good and bad source.

On a similar note, I do believe personal computers in the classroom are a great idea.  I have seen them be a great resource for group projects, essay writing, and note taking.  However, I have also seen their disadvantages.  During my observation hours, I saw how much of a distraction they can be.  Schools cannot filter every distracting website.  I have seen students distracted by online shopping, email, music, and videos.  In this case, the teacher would have to control when the devices can be on and off the desks, which can take away from class time.  Having the internet while reading can serve as a plagiarism temptation as well, which is a major concern for me as a future English teacher. 

When I was younger, I was taught Microsoft word, PowerPoint, and hardly any Excel.  Now, students are better equipped for the world we live in.  They can connect to the world, access any information they choose, connect with classmates and teachers, and teachers can connect with parents.  Even if I long for the old days sometimes, I can see how the evolution of technology is good and necessary.