Technology in the Classroom: Then and Now

Dec 01, 2010 41 Comments by

The spread of technology in classrooms fascinates me with each passing year. We’ve come a long way since Oregon Trail and figuring out how many oxen died after trying to ford the river. Nowadays, students can learn different languages, solve math equations, study business and even learn physics.

Computers are becoming essential tools in the classroom. For example, teachers are able to show their students what they are learning through simulation programs and demonstrations. Math and science students can learn about fractions and conduct experiments like growing plants. Science in my third grade class consisted of actually growing a plant.

E-books are becoming a wave of the future for college students. Digital course materials are becoming widely used among online universities and traditional universities and colleges. These books are cheaper in most cases and can save college students the hassle and physical strain of lugging around heavy textbooks. Remember those backpacks on wheels? If I’m not mistake, my generation led to the development of those. You can thank us, or not.

The use of YouTube brings experiments to life and allows students to learn from around the globe. Whether you’re sharing the results of a science experiment or want to learn a new language, classrooms are uploading their videos to share. My high school science teacher gave us the pleasure of watching old reels of video, yes reels.

The use of technology is also giving more people the opportunity to a better education. After the disastrous earthquake in Haiti this past year the country has been fighting to rebuild itself. The University of the People, in connection with the Haitian Connection Network, has built a network where students can participate in an online degree program. Students are able to attain associate and bachelor degrees in computer science and business.

Gone are the days of number munchers, mavis beacon and math blaster; man I am old.

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41 Responses to “Technology in the Classroom: Then and Now”

  1. don mathews says:

    Technology has certainly invaded every facet of life these days. Are there classes just to learn how to use technology?

  2. Denise Jacobson says:

    I have been using technology for about 10 years and little by little I decided that I enjoyed it some much and found it so fascinating that I want to go back to school for my degree. Can I get a degree completely online?

  3. Vincent Duhane says:

    I am interested in going to school online to get a degree in computer technology. How do I find the right online school for me?

  4. Lori says:

    Hopefully e-books will be a little cheaper in the near future

  5. Warde Owen says:

    Technology is definately the way of the future. I think the more technology we use to do our everyday activities, the less gasoline we will consume.

  6. Nicky Orloft says:

    I am, interested in getting my degree online. How difficult are the courses?

  7. Simon Bowen says:

    I think the use of technology gives students the opportunity to expand their ability to learn. They have the entire internet to use for research. Do professors allow unlimited use of the internet for their classes?

  8. Thomas says:

    Integrating technology into the classroom should happen even quicker I’d say. Anything we can do to make learning easier and more accessible we should push forward full speed. I already use E-Books and think they are great. Paper is dead! Long live digital!

  9. Mike says:

    It’s only a matter of time until all education occurs online.

  10. Tracy says:

    I remember math blaster!

  11. Vicki says:

    Wow, it’s great that the people in Haiti will be able to take advantage of the internet and take online classes to get a degree! I think it will make a huge difference for so many of them – just to have something like this to look forward to and help them move ahead after such destruction.

  12. Angel says:

    I predict the in the next few years some of the campuses will be shutting their doors. I just don’t see how they can continue to compete with the convenience of studying from anywhere in the world. Hopefully when everyone starts going to school online it will bring down the costs of getting a degree!

  13. Verginia says:

    I love technology and think it is great that so many classrooms have computers. I can’t wait for the day that each student has their own computer supplied by school.

  14. Sadie says:

    I recently went bac to college and found that I can learn more easily on a computer. I had always had trouble studying in high school, but now with the use of a computer I am a straight A studend.

  15. Contessa says:

    I am an older student and getting ready to go back to college. I love that I will be learning to use technology. Is there a course that I can take to familiarize myself with the different types of technology I will be using, so I can get ahead of the game?

  16. BB says:

    I feel more comfortable learning online

  17. Mitch says:

    oh man number munchers was the best!

  18. Mary Mae Beely says:

    I really think that technology is taking over more and more the way we live our lives. Are the elementary schools considering have each desk equipped with computers?

  19. Rusty Hawthorn says:

    I think the best thing to happen to education is the introduction of technology. Online classes have change the odds for single parents to complete their degrees.

  20. douglas randolf says:

    I have been considering going back to school for my degree. Considering I have not been in school for over 30 years, would I be able to handle online classes?

  21. Linda Billings says:

    Technology seems to be making everything easier.

  22. Ginger Mentor says:

    With technology going as fast as it is, there may be more people going to online school than on campus school.

  23. Harold Santis says:

    Is the online school experience as effective for new students as those who are returning to school?

  24. Wendy Williams says:

    I love that technology is becoming more and more popular in schools. Are most schools now offering online classes?

  25. Casey Barnum says:

    More and more people I know are taking online classes. Are there any school that offer courses that are partially online and partically on campus?

  26. Tucker says:

    All of this technology makes life so much easier and frees up a lot of time. The key – I think – is not wasting the time you save – like on gaming!

  27. John Mendy says:

    Technology makes all of he difference for me. I always do better with technology at my fingertips.

  28. Gloria says:

    Children are starting to use technology earlier and earlier. I wouldn’t be surpised to see computers in the kindergarten and nursery classes very soon.

  29. Viktor says:

    My generation and those after are so used to technology it’s just a simple fact of life. I definitely think it’s going to be more prevalent in the classroom. Some day we may not even be using pen and paper.

  30. Education Connection says:

    Hi Casey. Many schools are incorporating hybrid learning into their curriculum, so some classes are offered online and some on-campus.

  31. Education Connection says:

    Hi Mary. Many schools are beginning to offer computer training courses for students and some are even incorporating iPads. Times have definitely changed.

  32. Education Connection says:

    Hi Douglas. The great part about online classes is that you can go at a pace you are comfortable with. If you’re interested in learning more about the online experience go here.

  33. Education Connection says:

    Hey Wendy. Schools across the nation are beginning to offer online classes as well as classes that combine going to class online and on-campus.

  34. Education Connection says:

    Hi Harold. Online education is very effective. An analysis by the Department of Education in 2010 found that students learning online performed better on average than those learning the same material with face-to-face instruction.

  35. Education Connection says:

    Hey Simon. Professors have different views on using computer in class, some allow it while others forbid it.

  36. Education Connection says:

    Hello Nicky. The difficulty of the courses depends on your degree program and the course itself. The difficulty of courses online compared to those on-campus do not vary and students must invest just as much time into learning the material.

  37. Education Connection says:

    Hi Vincent. Education Connection has a college finder that could you out in finding the right school. Good luck!

  38. Education Connection says:

    Hey Denise. Yes, there are hundreds of complete degree programs you can complete online.

  39. Education Connection says:

    Hello Don. Yes there are some classes available to learn the basics of new technology. I’d also recommend looking for online tutorials or books to help you learn more.

  40. Education Connection says:

    Hey Contessa. Many schools use different platforms for online learning. I’d suggest looking for tutorials via YouTube to see what you can find. If you already have chosen an institution to attend then contact them to see what platform they use. Good luck!

  41. John says:

    Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I in finding It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to provide one thing back and aid others such as you helped me.

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