What About Interaction?

Technology is great! But is it the best choice for schools and learning? After reading through some of the message board posts, I started to rethink my opinion on technology in the classroom. Does the use of technology take away from the interaction between students and their peers or students and the teachers? I think, like all things, if it is used correctly and used to supplement topics, technology is great and does not take away from that interaction. If technology is used in place of direct instruction, classroom discussions and any other type of interaction that might occur between students and teachers, then it is not a benefit to the students. When thinking about mathematics, I have seen teachers use technology (powerpoints in particular) to try and teach the students. This is no better than direct instruction where students are sitting there listening and maybe taking in information, but there is no interaction. Other types of technology can have this same effect if teachers don't give students time to interact and discuss what they have just seen.

In order to be used to its full potential, teachers need to be knowledgeable about their technology, and plan time for students to interact with one another during, or after the technology is seem or used. This requires planning on the teachers part and beginning with the end in mind. I think it would also be a great idea for the teacher to give assessments based on the technology they incorporated into their lesson. If the students use technology during the lesson, they should use it during the assessment in order to show what they have mastered and how they can use this new technology. Overall, I think that technology does not take away from interaction in the classroom if the teacher prepares the students properly and allows then to have that interaction during the lesson and after the lesson.