Blog 1 Topic (EDUC 630)

Blog 1 Topic

As technology continues to advance, it is important to consider the implications it will have on modern classrooms.  In an ideal world, new technologies would automatically be integrated into classrooms in the most optimal way.  Realistically, there are several barriers that may prevent true integration from happening.  One of the most prominent barriers is money.  Many schools simply do not have the funding necessary to implement new technology tools in their classrooms.  Another barrier is the teacher's technological competency.  While the good teachers are able to learn and implement helpful new technologies in their classes, there are other teachers who cannot or will not adopt these new tools.  A third barrier to technological integration may be the technological savvy of the students.  Not all students have had access to or experience with technologies at the same level.  So some students may be able to quickly take advantage of new classroom technology, while others may struggle to learn something new and confusing to them.

New technologies are not going to stop being developed.  As these tools are more readily available and costs come down, more schools will be able to integrate them into their classrooms.  Over the next five to ten years, K-12 classrooms will become increasingly integrated with the digital world.  While the unique benefits of a traditional face-to-face classroom may keep these from being completely overrun by distance learning, technological integration will still allow for more interactive and vivid learning experiences.  For adult learners with increasingly busy schedules, distance learning definitely appears to be the way of the future.  Over the next several years, adult learners will shift more toward online learning and away from the traditional classroom experience.  However, at some point the integrity of online courses may be called into question.  The convenience and freedom of online courses generally leaves the door wide open for unchecked cheating.  This applies particularly to courses that have tests.  If tests are administered in an online class without any sort of virtual or physical proctoring, then there is absolutely no validity to grades from that course.  If this problem grows and companies start to see a decline in the quality of new employees with online degrees, then the educational institution will have to adapt.  Until that time, if it ever comes, education will continued to be offered increasingly online.  After all, online courses and programs are by far the easiest way to make money in education.