Managing Technology in the Classroom
Technology in the classroom has evolved considerably in the last several decades. Laptops, tablets, and collaborative online platforms have supplanted the simple overhead projector or television on wheels set up, and students are now more digitally connected than ever. This technological evolution has brought with it the advantage of greater flexibility and classroom engagement, including real-time student polls, online lessons, and cloud-based assistive technologies for students with learning disabilities. However, the pervasiveness of smartphones, laptops, and other devices has its downsides. According to a report from The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University, a majority of students admit to using their laptops for activities not related to class. And research has found a negative correlation between student success in class and in-class laptop use. The tendency to use technology for non-class activities poses many problems for student