10. How Teachers Are Using Technology at Home and in Their Classrooms

After a study done by Kristen Purcell, Alan Heaps, Judy Buchanan, and Linda Friedrich of Pew Internet on the impact and uses of technology at home and in the classroom, surprising results have surfaced.  Technology is becoming more prevalent in most aspects of society, but how does it affect learning?  This study sought to obtain this information by interviewing randomly selected middle school and high school teachers from all around the country.  These teachers, selected from a pool of Advanced Placement (AP) and National Writing Project teachers, represent a broad spectrum of types of schools and students.

After reading the results of the study for myself, I was surprised to find that many teachers are beginning to allow the use of smartphones in the classroom.  Teachers are eager to provide greater access to Internet resources both at home and in the classroom, and the use of smartphones allows students to have access without ever having to leave their desks.  I was not surprised to read that the students from more affluent schools generally had more access to technology than schools in urban areas with students from low-income families.  In the study, teachers stated that they were concerned that students, while having at least some access to technology in schools, did not have the same access to technology in the home.  When asked if technology is working to widen or diminish the achievement gap between types of schools and students, the opinions were split nearly down the middle: 44% of the interviewed teachers said that the gap was narrowing and the other 56% said that the gap was growing.

I was not surprised to learn that young teachers were much more likely to express comfort when using technology in the classroom.  In general, younger teachers are more likely to incorporate technology into assignments; however, almost all of the teachers stated that they used technology to organize, create assignments, and communicate professionally.  Students, in general, have kept up with the latest trends of technology; however, students lack the understanding of research and credible resources of the older generation.  It is up to the teachers to help students to find credible sources and to encourage them to seek sources of other types, such as in print.

After reading the study, as a whole I am glad to see that the use of technology is becoming more prevalent in the classroom.  As someone who loves technology for personal use, I know that it can be an excellent tool for learning and researching.  However, I know that the use of technology must be monitored carefully and supplemented with other sources of learning.  I also find myself hoping that equipping lower-income schools with current technology becomes easier; arguably, lower-income students are the ones who could benefit the most from the use of technology.