Magazine Project

1

TEACHING AND
LEARNING—

HOW WE CAN MAKE
IT BETTER

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

Technology Use in the Classroom for Individual Work… 1
Technology Advertisement (for iPads) … 2
Teaching and Learning with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math… 3
Interviews—Technology in Education… 4

4

ED 243: 05
Technology Use in the Classroom for Individual Work

Jane Geng
February 26, 2018
Brother Marshall
Brigham Young University-Idaho

5

Abstract

The use of technology is revolutionizing education in our society today. As students are
provided computers and iPads, there are countless doors and opportunities that are being opened
for them. Teachers are finding more effective ways to teach, and to connect with their students.
Some may argue that iPads are replacing traditional teaching. However, iPads are enhancing
traditional teaching. Use of iPads allow students to have access to unlimited information, and to
be more engaged in learning. Students can learn according to their learning style, as iPads
provide the tools for all different types of learners. Studies have shown that student performance
has increased as the use of technology in classrooms has increased. Organization is another
factor that has been impacted through use of iPads. Students and teachers have more effective
ways to interact and to communicate. Students can organize their work, and easily revise or edit
their work. iPads are solving teacher’s struggles to teach students by providing tools to give
students extra help. There are budget advantages that result from the use of iPads, as well.
Although the cost of iPads may appear to be higher, money is saved. If students and teachers are
using iPads, less money will be spent on textbooks, paper, and writing utensils, and other
materials. Online textbooks, free reading books, articles, calculators are all available through
technology. As iPads and other forms of technology are changing the face of education. As
technology becomes more available in schools, the opportunities and quality of learning will
increase greatly for students. They will have more access to information and tools that are
necessary for learning and moving forward in their education. Students, teachers, and schools

6

will see greater success as the use of technology becomes more common in the education
systems.

TECHNOLOGY IN CLASSROOMS

In classrooms and education today, traditional methods of teaching. Worksheets
technology use is becoming increasingly are still used in class as some children prefer
common. Technology is an effective tool in the contact with paper. The children all have
helping students expand their knowledge, a textbook and exercise books” (Educational
and further their education. With Publishers LLP, 2010). Traditional teaching
technology, such as iPads or computers, the will not be completely replaced. There are
students have access to more information benefits that result from using traditional
than ever before. These devices allow access materials. The use of iPads is not meant to
to internet, to dictionaries and thesauri, and replace traditional methods of learning, but
to apps that assist with learning. Technology to enhance personal learning. Access to the
has led to improvement in education, and internet allows students to increase their
will continue to do so. The use of iPads has knowledge through research. Through the
been one of the greatest strides in the use of internet, students can find educational
technology in the classroom. They assist websites. They can research and find
students in completing assignments, and unlimited information on topics they are
staying engaged in learning. More assigned, or wish to study. This will help
specifically, iPads help students with their students to be more informed, and more
individual assignments—reviewing lessons prepared inside and outside of the
learned in class, researching, and studying. classroom. Additionally, there are many
In the BBC Active article, “iPads in the apps for the classroom. These apps include
Classroom”, it suggests common uses of the apps for reviewing material, flashcard apps,
iPad for students in education. These uses apps that allow access to books for children,
include, but are not limited to: internet apps for notetaking, and apps for video and
research, watching videos, taking notes audio tools. A Digital Trends article, “21
during class, discussion forums, and revision Helpful Apps for Teachers and Educators”
on work. With this accessibility, students discusses the advantages of using iPads in
can become more engaged in learning, and education. The article states, “From greater
in doing so, become more successful in their student engagement to an expansion of the
education. However, people may be learning environment beyond school hours,
concerned about the replacement of paper, gadgets can open new educational doors”
pencil, and books. BBC Active addresses this (Schiola, 2016). Apps will improve student
issue, “While the use of the iPad in schools learning. They provide students the
has revolutionized the way children are opportunity to work individually and
taught, it hasn’t completely replaced more improve the quality of their learning. There

are tools for the students to review material 7
that has been discussed in class. This allows
for repetition, which is essential for young students to learn for themselves and gather
children’s learning. Apps such as notetaking more information on subjects which they
tools help students to better follow along desire to learn. Teachers may also use
during classroom time. They can take notes videos to connect with their students. For
at a faster rate, which allows them to gather example, a teacher may post a video of
more information. Often times, students fall his/her own teaching, with visual aids, about
behind as they are trying to write the the solar system. As students watch these
information that the teacher has provided. videos, they are given a greater amount of
Using iPads, a student may type, draw, or information and interaction. Students may
write their notes. They may use their note also create their own videos, as to apply
taking tools to add examples, and to practice their learning. Audio tools are common, as
the material. There are study tools, as well. well. Audio tools are another way for
There are many flashcard and memorization teacher to connect, and teach. There are
apps. Students can create flashcards to podcasts available to students, as well as
review material, and at the tip of their countless numbers of books. Audio tools can
fingers, they can begin studying at any time. assist students with their reading skills, and
Other study tools include quiz apps, wherein help them to follow along. Through the use
the students take practice quizzes to review of technology there are unlimited
material. Another essential part of education opportunities to further education, and
is class participation, and learning from improve the quality of students’ learning. A
peers. Students often learn best when they common issue in education is the varying
have discussions with peers. Through the learning techniques of students. Teachers
use of apps, they can collaborate their ideas struggle to find a method which fits best for
using discussion forums. It is possible for all students. Use of technology may solve
the class to create a discussion forum on an this issue. The Salem Press Encyclopedia
app. They may use the discussion forums to confirms this statement, “Using electronics
give their input, ask questions, or give a and digital tools is seen as a way to enhance
response to others. This allows for an learning and provide a beneficial experience
expansion of thought, ideas, and creativity. for all students” (Salem Press Encyclopedia,
Another advantage to using apps includes 2013). The tools that are provided through
revision of the students’ own work. There iPads provide a great deal of flexibility in
are tools to help them check their format in styles of learning. Whether the student is an
writing, check spelling, and grammar. audio learner, visual, verbal, kinesthetic,
Dictionaries and thesauri help students to logical, social, or solitary learner, there are
expand their vocabulary, and improve the many tools available to conform to their
quality of their work. Finally, video and preferred way of learning. Use of iPads are
audio tools are one of the greatest changing the way students learn. They are
advantages of providing iPads for students. changing the way that teachers teach. They
Students may watch informational videos, or are leading to higher academic performance,
documentaries related to the material they increased engagement from students,
are currently learning. Videos also allow increased creativity, and higher quality of
learning. As the use of iPads increases, there

8

will be noticeable and positive differences in
education, in schools, and in children.

9

Works Cited

BBC Active (2010, April). IPads in the Classroom. Retrieved from
http://www.bbcactive.com/BBCActiveIdeasandResources/iPadsintheClassroom.aspx

Schiola, E., & Sin, G. (2016, October 10). 21 Helpful Apps for Teachers and Educators. Retrieved from
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-apps-for-teachers-education/

Isaiah, F. (2013l). Technology in Education. Salem Press Encyclopedia 2p. Retrieved from
http://www.bbcactive.com/BBCActiveIdeasandResources/iPadsintheClassroom.aspx

10

TECHNOLOGY IN
EDUCATION

Revolutionizing our Education System

Struggling Student? Struggling to teach? Struggling to find better material?
There’s an app for that!

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ED 243-05
Teaching and Learning with Science, Technology, Engineering, Math

Jane Geng
March 19, 2018
Brother Marshall
Brigham Young University-Idaho

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ABSTRACT

Science, technology, engineering, and math are programs that are being implemented in
order to increase student success. STEM programs consist of a more flexible environment. This
allows for all students’ needs and learning types to be met. These programs consist of an increase
of hands-on activities. STEM programs focus on helping students to apply their learning to the
real world. This has led to an increase in success of the students and their learning capabilities. It
is predicted that there will be an increase in STEM jobs, and by 2020, STEM jobs will be 14% of
all occupations. STEM has had an incredible impact on teaching and learning. It is transforming
the American education system. It is leading to better futures and more opportunities for students
and children in schools today. STEM will continue to be implemented in classrooms and schools.
As it is implemented, and as teacher are more thoroughly trained, there will be noticeable
changes and increased success.

13

STEM PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION

Albert Einstein made this remarkable includes flexibility in classrooms.
statement, “If you always do what you have Traditional seating and desk arrangements
are being replaced with flexible seating
always done, you will always get what you arrangements that allow changes in
have always gotten”. The effectiveness of movement, positions, and functions. This is
being implemented to encourage learning
the education system in America has greatly for all students, and to allow them to learn
decreased in recent years. Effectiveness according to their abilities, styles, and
decreases when change does not happen, techniques. The arrangement of desks may
and people continue to use the tools and be placed differently in order to encourage
collaboration and hands-on learning.
methods that they always have. Lack of Advanced materials and better technology
change has been a major issue in the are being placed in classrooms to allow
American education system, and the cause more hands-on activity and experimentation.
of decreased effectiveness. Students’ The STEM environment will also require
more storage space for projects, materials,
success has decreased. There has been a lack and necessary technology. Although the cost
of improvement. However, leaders, of creating a STEM environment may be
administrators, and teachers are coming greater, “The extra cost—and functionally—
together to make change happen in is worth it” (Smith System, 2018). This
education. These people want their students environment allows students of all
and the children of America to be successful backgrounds and learning abilities to further
and prepared for their own future. Change their education and gain necessary skills for
begins with the administrators and teachers. their future. STEM is allowing students to
apply what they learn and bring education to
If they do not change their teaching methods life. The U.S. Department of Education,
and tools, they will not experience results. “Science, Technology, Engineering and
They will not witness improvement in their Math: Education for Global Leadership”
classrooms and schools. Teachers and stated, “In a world that’s becoming
administrators must be willing to change in increasingly complex, where success is
order to see improvement. A variety of driven not only by what you know, but what
methods and tools are being introduced in you can do with what you know, it’s more
schools today. One of these methods—the important than ever for our youth to be
Science, Technology, Engineering, and equipped with the knowledge and skills to
Math programs—has had an incredible solve tough problems, gather and evaluate
impact on teaching and learning. STEM evidence, and make sense of information”
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) (U.S Department of Education, 2015). The
world and societies within it, are changing.
programs and environments are bringing It is essential that teachers and students keep
education to life for teachers and students. up with the space and make the necessary
Smith System, “The Stem Environment” changes to be successful. Students need to
article states, “To cement a school’s

commitment to project-based learning or
collaborative learning or cooperative
learning, its classroom environment must
also change—and change quickly” (Smith
System, 2018). STEM teaching and learning

understand how to apply what they learn to 14
real-life provide learning opportunities and hands-on
situations.
Students that are interaction for students across the country.
currently going The following graph was included in the
through their article from the (U.S. Department of
education will be Education, 2015), “Science, Technology,
the future Engineering, and Math: Education for
innovators, Global Leadership”.
educators,
researchers, and This graph shows the projected
leaders of increase in STEM jobs from 2010-2020.
America and the From this graph, it can be concluded that
rest of the world. STEM programs will make a significant
President Obama change in students’ lives and their futures.
and the Obama As students improve their education and
Administration their future, so will be improved the future
were working to
provide an
environment
where, “and
equitable
distribution of
quality STEM
learning
opportunities and
talented teachers
can ensure that
all students have
the chance to
study and be inspired by science,
technology, engineering, and math—and
have the chance to reach their full potential”
(U.S. Department of Education). A plan to
increase and redirect federal funding in
order to increase the use of STEM programs
in schools was implemented. As new
materials, support, and programs are being
implemented for the use of STEM in
schools, students will have greater
opportunities and brighter futures. The U.S.
Department of Education has made efforts
and continue to provide STEM teachers with
training, support, and resources. Community
Learning Centers have collaborated with
schools to encourage the use of STEM,

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of America and other societies throughout
the world. There is a high demand for
STEM jobs and students will be able to fill
these jobs and succeed in them. There are
many different levels of STEM jobs, as well.
It is important to know that not all STEM
occupations require intensive schooling.
STEM programs are varied in difficulty and
will prepare the youth for all kinds of STEM
occupations. According to LIVESCIENCE,
“What is STEM Education?”, “Much of the
STEM curriculum is aimed toward attracting
underrepresented populations” (Hom, 2014).
These underrepresented populations include
females, African Americans, and Hispanics.
STEM focuses on improving education for
students from all backgrounds. It allows for
flexibility in classrooms. It allows for
students to be educated according to their
individual learning styles. STEM will
increase the probability of student success in
their schooling. They will have greater
vocational opportunities in the future,
because of their ability to apply what they
have learned to real-life experiences.
Teachers must be willing to change, and to
implement STEM programs and create
STEM environments in their classrooms. If
there is no change in the methods and
materials that teachers are using, there will
be no change in the results of the students’
success. When teachers and administrators
are willing to change, the results will
change. Students will have a greater chance
of succeeding and leading better lives.

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REFERENCES

Hom, E. J. (2014). What is STEM Education? LIVESCIENCE. Retrieved March 19, 2018, from
https://www.livescience.com/43296-what-is-stem-education.html

Smith System (2018). Is there a formula for success? Creating a STEM Environment Retrieved
March 16, 2018, from https://smithsystem.com/school-setting/stem-

environment/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwv73VBRCdARIsAOnG8u1HIXfNr1Qm2Cqgl0Npc87bFoA-
wZpZ7E9uUlRvfOMRPiB37ZUo_HQaAk3OEALw_wcB

U.S. Department of Education (2015). Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: Education
for Global Leadership. Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://www.ed.gov/stem

Interview Questions—TECHNOLOGY 17
IN EDUCATION
A: When the technology doesn't work or
1. Heather Romrell, 5th Grade when there is insufficient technology
Teacher at Teton Elementary available. Our internet is frequently going
School Rexburg, Idaho down, and we frequently have workstations
that aren't working for various reasons
Q: Do you feel that technology has had a (broken headphones, loose cables, or
negative or positive influence in students who mess around with settings and
schools/classrooms? don't know how to put them back making
the station unusable until the techs can come
A: For the most part, I think technology has and restore everything). I also frequently
had a positive influence in schools. We are struggle incorporating technology for
able to do many things faster now with the student use due to the lack of availability- all
aid of technology, we are able to use the other teachers were planning to use the
technology to learn more about specific computer lab and/or chrome books the same
topics, technology can put us in contact with time. I can also be harder to keep students
people all over the world to broaden our on task when doing research online. They
experiences, and technology can help us find lots of cool links that lead them to other
reach students through different learning cool links, and before they even realize it,
modalities. they are way off topic.

Q: What are the benefits of using Q: What have you done (or seen done) to
technology in education? incorporate technology in the classroom?

A: There are a lot of instructional tools A: A lot of teachers in our district have
available through electronic sources; a lot of moved to online testing for their math and
skills learned through drilling ELA programs. There are also a lot of
(multiplication facts, etc.) can be done in programs made available to educators that
more engaging ways. The internet also are great for differentiating instruction to
helps me and my students quickly answer meet the needs of all students. I also
questions and learn a lot more about specific strongly believe that technology is
topics that would have been much more especially necessary in the writing process
difficult to research without electronic aid. for older students. Editing is so much easier
The use of technology also helps make electronically!
lessons more engaging- video clips,
graphics, charts, etc. Q: Do you prefer traditional
teaching/learning tools (pencils, paper,
(Part B) Q: What are the negative aspects paper textbooks) or technological tools
of using technology? (electronic textbooks, note-taking on iPad
or computer)?

A: I think there needs to be a mix.
Technology is a part of our world, and

strictly traditional classrooms are not 18
adequately preparing students for their
futures. However, I also believe that too same problem, though. I wish there was a
much emphasis is placed on technology to better way to address that so all students are
the point where our kids aren't learning how heading to college and the workforce with
to survive without it. Tech doesn't always the same technological background.
work, and people need to learn how to work
around that in order to be truly successful. I 2. Brooke Stinchfield, Parent of 4th
also struggle with the idea of going Grader, 8th Grader (Special
paperless because I work with a lot of Needs), 10th Grader, San Antonio,
students who don't have sufficient Texas
technology available at home for them to be
able to complete assignments outside of Q: Do you feel that technology has had a
class. negative or positive influence in
schools/classrooms?
Q: What would you change about
technology usage in classrooms and A: I believe that, overall, technology has
schools? had a positive impact in classrooms.

A: The biggest problem I see with Q: What are the benefits of using
technology usage in schools is the lack of technology in education? Negative
funding to purchase devices, to keep devices aspects?
updated, and to pay for adequate support
personnel (both in number and ability) to A: Using Google earth as an example,
keep them running properly. I also struggle technology can take us to places that are
with the lack of technological equality for impossible within the classroom, they can
all students. Even within a single school show us concepts like 3-D imaging and
district, some schools have more technology math and science theories in true form.
available due to funding (grants written for a However, I believe there are many negative
specific school and/or classroom) or internet results to having technology in the
connectivity. Rural schools struggle with classroom. I believe technology is relied
internet reliability, and rural districts upon to heavily in situations where hands-on
struggle to maintain adequate tech experience would teach a child much more
personnel. As an example, last year we had comprehensively and with more joy and
to adopt our second-choice ELA program understanding. I believe too much time is
simply because our first-choice program was spent staring at a screen in any child’s day. I
less effective without an electronic device believe teachers rely too heavily, in high
available for each student. Even if we had school and middle school classrooms on the
that many devices, though, we would have students’ ability to use their phones for note
struggled with bandwidth and connectivity taking, power point slides (“take a picture of
issues. These two problems- funding and this”), etc... taking power away from
technological equality- are basically the parents, and their ability to control devices,

because homework is expected to be done 19
on phones.
A teacher should only use technology after
Q: What have you done (or seen done) to they have honestly and conscientiously
incorporate technology in the classroom? thought of every way a concept can be
taught and determined that technology
A: I have seen technology used to teach would give the student a better experience
math concepts, reading concepts, and even and the greatest understanding. Teachers are
do indoor PE on a cold, rainy day. not immune to the lure of technology. It can
also be a much easier (lazier) means of
Q: Do you prefer traditional teaching a concept, but not necessarily
teaching/learning tools (pencils, paper, better. There is a difference between
paper textbooks) or technological tools learning about a subject and experiencing a
(electronic textbooks, note-taking on iPad subject. Knowledge through experience will
or computer)? always win.

A: I’m old-school, I prefer paper and pen 3. Kimberly Hallenbeck, Physical
and hardback books. I like knowing exactly Education Teacher at Fort
what my child is looking at and studying Vancouver High School: Center
versus having them bent over the screen. for International Studies,
However, I know there are times that Vancouver, Washington
technology is more appropriate and efficient.
Q: Do you feel that technology has had a
Q: What would you change about negative or positive influence in
technology usage in classrooms and schools/classrooms?
schools?
A: I believe that technology does have a
A: I think educators, just like parents, were positive influence in the classroom. The
blindsided in many ways by technology. I amount of knowledge that is accessible to
think many of us only saw the benefits and teachers and students is infinite.
are realizing a bit too late that there are
severe costs associated as well. Technology Q: What are the benefits of using
should be used with upmost restraint. A technology in education? What are the
child shouldn’t be shown a YouTube video negative aspects of using technology?
on how items float like my friend’s second
grader was shown. A child should have their A: Like previously mentioned, the amount
hands in a bucket of water floating soap and of knowledge and information that is
sinking pennies. Students should be accessible is huge. It also helps teachers to
dissecting flowers to learn about petals, they hold students accountable for work that
should be gazing at clouds out on the needs to be handed in. It makes it easier with
playground to learn about cloud formations. having substitutes and the ability to have
information in the students’ hands even if
the teacher is not in the classroom.

Negative aspects are when students are 20
irresponsible with the technology and do not
stay on task. Q: Do you feel that technology has had a
negative or positive influence in
Q: What have you done (or seen done) to schools/classrooms?
incorporate technology in the classroom?
A: I believe that technology has a positive
A: In our school district there is a 1:1 ratio influence in schools. Students and teachers
for devices in the classroom between 3rd can access mass amounts of information.
grade and 12th grade. I am a physical They can gain knowledge more quickly and
education teacher and technology has helped more easily.
within my classroom. I have also seen it
used within my classroom in wide array Q: What are the benefits of using
including connecting with other classrooms technology in education? What are the
in other countries to bring together negative aspects of using technology?
information from all over the world.
A: One major benefit of technology in
Q: Do you prefer traditional schools is allowing students to use
teaching/learning tools (pencils, paper, computers for school work if they do not
paper textbooks) or technological tools have access to it in their homes. Technology
(electronic textbooks, note-taking on iPad usage saves time for college students and
or computer)? students of all ages. Rather than flipping
through books to find the right chapter or
A: I still like to use traditional once in a page to study or find answers, students have
while for different assignments. But it is the information at their fingertips through
extremely nice to use our technology for technology. However, technology can be a
certain note taking and assignments. distraction for students. Even though
technology can assist students in having
Q: What would you change about access to more information, it can also be
technology usage in classrooms and harmful. Students are taking in a lot of
schools? information, but they are putting in a
minimal amount of effort to learn on a
A: I wish we could make it where it is a deeper level. They are missing real-life
requirement within the classroom to have experiences.
some form of technology, since the district
provides these devices or technology. Q: What have you done (or seen done) to
incorporate technology in the classroom?
4. Diana Perez, Junior at Western
State University, Bellingham, A: Technology has become more advanced
Washington in the classrooms. There is a continuous
increase and advancement of technological
tools. Before, we used old projectors with
poor quality. Now, we use digital projectors

which have more functions and higher 21
image quality. This has allowed for faster
and more efficient lessons and presentations. 5. Morgan Stinchfield, Sophomore at
In addition, we use apps and other tools to Washougal High School, Home-
simulate the topics we are studying. This schooled, Washougal, Washington
allows for hands-on experiences in our
learning. Q: Do you feel that technology has had a
negative or positive influence in
Q: Do you prefer traditional schools/classrooms?
teaching/learning tools (pencils, paper,
paper textbooks) or technological tools A: There are some positive aspects when it
(electronic textbooks, note-taking on iPad comes to using technology for school work
or computer)? in class rooms. However, I would say my
opinion is mostly negative, because of the
A: I prefer traditional teaching and learnings various ways that students are becoming
tools, because they eliminate distraction. I distracted by technology. Students might
learn better when I read from a paper begin on task, and before they realize it, they
textbook and I write my notes down on a are on Facebook or Instagram.
piece of paper. I have an easier time
retaining the information we are given, Q: What are the benefits of using
rather than taking notes on a phone or technology in education? What are the
laptop. negative aspects of using technology?

Q: What would you change about A: The benefits of using technology in
technology usage in classrooms and education are the easier accessibility to
schools? information. It is easier to complete work,
and less time is wasted. However, there is a
A: I think that if there is an increase in lack of true understanding of concepts and
technology use in schools, students should deeper learning.
be well instructed as how to use it. For
example, students should know how to use Q: What have you done (or seen done) to
Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, incorporate technology in the classroom?
Microsoft Excel, etc.… Schools have the
responsibility to stay up-to-date on A: I have seen teachers incorporate
technology. This is essential for students to technology in their classrooms, in many
be successful in the “real world” where ways. Usually, we use technology for tests
technology is constantly advancing. and quizzes. It makes it easier for the
Students should learn their limits with teacher and their grading process.
technology, as well. They should know how
to control their usage without becoming Q: Do you prefer traditional
easily distracted and wasting too much time teaching/learning tools (pencils, paper,
on devices. paper textbooks) or technological tools

22

(electronic textbooks, note-taking on iPad
or computer)?

A: I feel that both traditional tools and
technological tools have individual benefits.
I prefer doing my work on paper, because I
learn and remember information better that
way. I do like taking tests online, because it
is easy to find your way around it and access
information. However, online tests and
submissions can often be confusing. There
have been several times that I have not
completed an assignment, because the
process of submitting it seems
overwhelming.

Q: What would you change about
technology usage in classrooms and
schools?

A: One thing that I would change about
technology in education is the security of
using technology. Many students use
technology as a short cut. They cheat on
assignments, tests, and quizzes. In addition,
teachers and staff should do a better job of
monitoring the websites and apps that
students are using. Technology usage should
be controlled and supervised more closely.

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