Technology over the last two decades has developed and improved, creating positive outcomes for classroom learning. Chalkboards to smart-boards and whiteboards to tablets are merely two ways that technology has changed the look of a classroom environment. I will be examining the progression of technology from 2000 to the present day over the course of my next two posts. This post will focus on 2000-2010. Starting back in 2000, when I was only a young 3 year old in Montessori preschool, technology was a privilege or reward. There might have been one or two computers in a classroom, which could be used as a part of free time, or on a rotary basis. Going to computer lab in elementary school, during that period between 2000-2010, was a part of the schedule for the week. It rotated between classes, and appeared as if it was a treat, rather than a regular part of the day. From reward to common practice, the progression of technology in two decades has been stunning.
In 2000, phones came out with cameras on them. Moving ahead a couple of years, 2003 marked the year when the first e-textbook came out. E-textbooks allowed students of any age to use a computer to download and read a textbook, rather than use a hardcopy. This created a major shift in the use of technology in the classroom. This created a large spike in computer use, primarily for post secondary and secondary aged students. Following the use of e-textbooks, in 2004, came the development of Office 360 as well as developments in artificial intelligence. Along with students having to get to use these developments, teachers and educators needed to educate themselves through proper training to enable them to properly integrate these types of technology into their classrooms. Within a year, there was another large movement with an increase of 15% use of laptops, now being used in both homes and schools.
Although laptops were introduced ten years prior, it took a decade to get them commonly used in a classroom setting. Between the years of 2005-2010, many technological advances occurred affecting education. The introduction of Smart-boards into classrooms was revolutionary to differentiating teaching methods. Locally, there was not a Smart-board in every classroom, but at least one appeared in every elementary school, and often in each department of a secondary school. Teachers could rotate and schedule classes in the room with the Smart-board, slowly being trained to be able to implement lessons using this technology, which allows for greater student interaction. Also in 2010, there was a marked increase in on-line learning. There was a 12-14% increase of on-line (e-learning) learning. It allows for students to develop greater skills in independent learning and organizational skills, because they are totally responsible for staying on task and completing the work. Online learning is not for everyone, as it demands strong focusing and organizational skills. Although there is a teacher attached to the course, it differs from having a teacher in front of the class, and readily available in person. Many secondary school students find online courses challenging because of their learning styles, learning challenges and organizational skills. As well, based on socioeconomic status, e-learning is not always available for everyone. Along with this technological progress comes the debate as to whether technology helps or hinders education. There is discussion on both sides of whether the addition of technology has positive or negative effects on students. With this in mind, the next post will explore further progression from 2010 to the present day.