My+Concept+Map

= = = Educational Technology = = Definition =

I. Uses a variety of tools that are helpful in advancing student learning through technology.
= Benefits = = Student motivation = = Educational technology is a way to better motivate and engage students. For example - students who are less engaged in pen and paper assignments may enjoy completing school work better if it is on a computer. =

I. Participation ranges
== Students who may not be as willing to participate or who may not be as outspoken can have an equal chance to participate through an online live chat. For example, in our class not all students are as outspoken so students were given the opportunity to give their input through a live chat while class was going on. ==

Various types of software allow students to enhance their learning experience on the computer. There are software programs for students of all ages ranging from pre-k through high school.
= Challenges = = Limited resources = = Not all schools have the funding to be able to provide each classroom with beneficial software for their students. Resources are high in cost and not all schools have proper funding. =

I. Necessary training
== Using technology in the classroom may not be beneficial unless proper training has been given (to the teacher as well as the students). Teachers need to be able to use the advantages of technology in order for their students to be successful. ==

I. Limited technology
== Not all schools have the funding to incorporate technology into all their classrooms. Even if schools could provide schools with computers for all classrooms, not all students have full accessibility to a computer through their home life. ==

I. Implementation
== Implementing technological skills is very time consuming. Some students may want to "play around" until they figure out what to do, while others need direct instruction. This could backfire for the teacher. ==

A. Reliability
=== A backup plan is always needed. Although technology is new and forever changing, it is not always the most reliable. Teachers must plan more effectively in order to have a backup plan ready to go in case the computer fails to work properly. === = Ethical Issues =

I. Reliable sources
== How can students be sure that they are getting information from a credited, reliable source? They need to be aware of what a reliable and what an unreliable source is before using it for an assignment. ==