This document discusses the potential pitfalls of technology usage in K-12 classrooms. It reviews literature finding that technology can be a distraction to students and negatively impact academics by enabling cheating and plagiarism. Teachers can also face challenges like a lack of professional development and limited access to technology. While technology provides benefits, the document recommends moderating usage and ensuring technology is used purposefully to enhance learning rather than hinder it. Teachers should model appropriate technology use and incorporate it in lessons only when it is the most effective teaching method.

1. By: Mechele Seville,
Heather Schwartzmiller, & Lisa Gardner

2. Introduction
There are obvious benefits of using
technology in the classroom.
What might not be so apparent are
the negative aspects.
Research question “What are the
pitfalls of technology usage in k-12
classrooms?”

3. Literature Review
Student Effects
 Technology can:
 be a distraction in class
 have negative academic effects
 can be used to cheat/plagiarize

4. Literature Review
Teacher Effects
 Academic dishonesty
 Lack of professional development
 Lack of access to technology

5. Arguments
Technology has both positive and
negative effects.

6. Recommendations
 Model appropriate and proper usage of technology in
the classroom.
 Incorporate technology into the lesson only if it is the
most effective way of presenting the content.
 To avoid plagiarism, teach students how to properly
cite information in a creative way E.g. reader’s theater.
 Develop a class website that contains appropriate
student resources.

7. Our Experiences
 Computer tests
 Number of student computers
 Lack of teacher technology training
 Classroom distractions

8. Conclusion
 Technology should be used in moderation.
 How students choose to use technology
makes the difference between helping and
hindering learning.

9. Conclusion continued…
 “It is not simply the use of technology in general, but
rather the purpose for which technology is used, that
has consequences for academic engagement. A
student may use computers, electronic mail, a PDA, or
cellular phone primarily for social purposes; however,
those same technologies can also be used for
communication about academic matters, thereby
increasing educational involvement” (Lloyd & Cooper,
2007).

10. Resources
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Kemker, K., Barron, A., & Harmes, J. (2007). Laptop computers in the elementary classroom: Authentic instruction with at-risk
students. Educational Media International, 44(4), 305-321. Retrieved from ERIC database.
Lanahan, L., Boysen, J., & National Center for Education Statistics (ED), W. (2005). Computer technology in the public
school classroom: Teacher perspectives. Issue Brief. NCES 2005-083. National Center for Education Statistics,
Retrieved from ERIC database.
Lloyd, J., Dean, L., & Cooper, D. (2007). Students' technology use and its effects on peer relationships, academic involvement, and
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McCabe, D., & Katz, D. (2009). Curbing cheating. Education Digest: Essential Readings Condensed for Quick Review, 75(1), 16-19.
Retrieved from ERIC database.
Nworie, J., & Haughton, N. (2008). Good intentions and unanticipated effects: The unintended consequences of the application of
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