Some of the Pros and Cons of Technology

Last week, we discussed several of the pros and cons of incorporating technology into our classrooms. Jill and I listed several pros and cons and I would like to share some of them with you.

Pros:
-Highly motivating (For example, students who used to skip school numerous times a year had better attendance records after the 1 to 1 laptop program was introduced. They had to be in school, on time, in order to get their computer for the day).

-Highly engaging (For example, games can be created to review classroom material before a test, or pictures can accompany songs/chants the students are learning).

-Faster/better communication (E-mail, skype, blogs, etc.)

-Needed skill for many professions

-Students can be teachers (Students are likely to be risk-takers in regards to technology and try "cool" things. Then, they are able to show others).


Cons:
-The time commitment to learn how to use the technology and incorporate it into the lessons. (However, Jill shared the comment, "It takes time to save time." We both agreed that eventually the hard work would pay off, because the things created could be used year after year with only minor changes (if needed).

-The cost (The technology and software tends to be expensive. How/who decides who gets what, when).

-Social development (A balance needs to be reached in technology use so that students are still able to develop socially by interacting face-to-face with one another).