This paper highlights how the newest generation of students experience technology almost every day in the real world. This paper illustrates how and why teachers and educators can integrate technology into their classrooms to help effectively engage students and enhance their educational content.

1. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 1
Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom?
Jasmine Miller
Western Oregon University
July 2020

2. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 2
Introduction
The newest generation has often been called the digital generation. Teens have been
using computers and the internet since elementary school, and some children as young as three
years old understand how to scroll and open up apps on an iPhone. This generation has had more
access to technology then any that has come before them and the technology industry has created
a digital world that continues to grow every day. The internet, computers, social media, and
digital devices are an everyday occurrence in the real world, and in education as well. The
purpose of this paper is to illustrate how incorporating technology in today’s classrooms can help
to engage and enhance content being taught in education.
What Does Integrating Technology Look Like?
Before we discuss how to integrate technology, let us talk about what it means when we
say “technology.” Technology usage in classrooms can range anywhere from the internet,
computers, digital devices like smartphones and tablets, web 2.0 tools, social media, augmented
reality, and multimedia. Integrating technology into classrooms means finding ways to use these
various technologies stated to either instruct, engage, or enhance educational content.
One of the most used pieces of technology is the computer. “No other instructional tool
has been at the center of an educational revolution like the computer, nor has any other
innovation been as invested in, supported, criticized, and researched as the computer” (Groff et
al., 2008, p.22). Teachers and educators have the ability to research, prep, and plan lessons for
their students with the use of computers. Computers also give educators access to the internet.
DiBella and Williams explain,
Internet use and access continues to expand exponentially. Just a short time ago, it was
reported that approximately 142 million Americans used the Internet. These percentages

3. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 3
continue to rise, and Internet use continues to rapidly expand. More and more, people
depend upon the Internet for much more than just information; it is now a place to
collaborate (p.76).
In other words, the growth of the internet and how humans use computers is evolving every day.
The internet is a place that gives educators access to an abundance of online tools. Those tools
are called web 2.0 tools and they have the ability to, “engage learners and maximize learning,
while encouraging collaboration and providing a way for teachers to apply their knowledge”
(DiBella, et al 2015 p.75). Web 2.0 tools, including blogs, social media, storyboards, visual
presentations, and learning and digital applications, give teachers and educators the ability to
design and create content as well as instruments to provide instruction through. Many students
and teachers like using web 2.0 tools because they reflect everyday life. Almost all students in
this newest generation encounter or experience some type of technology when they are not in
school. When teachers or educators incorporate technology such as web 2.0 tools, students get
the opportunity to utilize skills in both the classroom and in the real world. One student
participating in a research study involving web 2.0 tools in the classroom,
emphasized the value of technology by stating, ‘Students learn best when they can create
something with the knowledge they’ve gained. Students deal with technology on a daily
basis and educators should tap into that form of learning’ (DiBella &Williams,2015,
p.78).
In other words, many students enjoy the hands-on and creative experience of using technology in
the classroom. Educators have also begun to implement technology such as virtual and
augmented reality into classrooms. Augmented reality can be described as combining digital
information with the student’s or user’s learning environment in real-time. What makes

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augmented reality so special is how it is able to provide unique learning environments and
experiences. Augmented reality creates a learning experience that promotes collaboration
amongst learners. Augmented reality also provides students with hands-on and technical learning
experiences.
Integrating technology in a classroom does not have to look one specific way. Teachers
and educators can pick and choose which pieces of technology to use, how much to use, and
when to use them. However, it is essential for an individual in education to understand that
adding technology just to add it is not always the best answer. Teachers must be educated
themselves to understand the positives and the negatives of integrating technology into their own
classrooms. It is imperative that teachers use technology to engage their students and enhance
their educational content, not take away from it.
What are Some of the Positives?
One of the main goals for educators and teachers is to make sure that their students are
equipped with the tools and skills to help them be successful in the real world. It is the
responsibility of educators to empower their students, help them develop as learners, and harness
their critical thinking skills. Integrating technology into the classroom can help educators do just
that.
It is extremely important that teachers and educators see technology as a tool to aid
problem solving rather than just a prop. When they understand that technology is a tool that their
students can use to enhance their problem-solving skills, the benefits are endless. The computer,
for example, can be used as a tool for many things, starting with professional development.
Teachers and educators alike can use the computer and the Internet to learn and grow, just like
their students. Both teachers and educators can attend webinars, join networking groups, and

5. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 5
research and learn more about how to better use different technologies in the classroom. They
also have the ability to create and prepare lessons and instruction through the computer.
Moreover, for students’, computers are another great resource. In their research authors
Ranasinghe et al, (2009) explain,
one great resource to help teach problem solving and critical thinking skills is the
computer. The computer provides various ways to visually represent real-world problems
and the opportunity to identify patterns in data, thus enhancing problem solving skills and
improving the learning process
Illustrating just how effective the addition of technology can enhance content being taught in
classrooms. What is important to keep in mind is that, “it is the teacher’s purpose to help
students understand that the technology does not think for them, and the machine is only as smart
as its operator” (Ranasinghe, et al, 2009, p. 1957). By emphasizing that technology is a tool and
not a prop, educators can help foster a culture of growth and a safe space for failure.
Technology such as web 2.0 tools promote curiosity and collaboration by allowing
students to become more active learners. These online tools give learners the opportunity to
share, engage, and collaborate with other learners as well as their teachers. Web 2.0 tools also
help educators reach the various types of learners they have in their classrooms. Since all
students do not learn the same way, it is important that teachers provide different ways to help
engage their different learners and enhance their educational content. “Web 2.0 tools need to be
effectively integrated into coursework and use of such tools needs to be modeled and time must
be allowed for meaningful application” (DiBella, et al 2015, p.76). By using web 2.0 tools
correctly, educators and teachers can use and create multimedia, podcasts, and presentations that
can contribute to a better learning environment for their students.

6. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 6
Augmented reality also helps promote collaboration amongst students. Researchers have
found that, users were more eager, interested, and engaged to deal with new technology as well
as teaching and learning content compared to non-AR methods (Basten, et al 2014). When
augmented reality in the classroom is planned and paired effectively, can help raise students’
intrinsic motivation to stay engaged and motivated to learn. Augmented reality also helps with
students’ concentration and attention by aiding in more student-centered and student led
learning. Augmented reality activities and lessons in the classroom help students interact directly
with the educational content being taught. Students get to access important information and
details during these interactive activities firsthand. The opportunity for collaborative
communication and problem-solving among students that augmented reality creates is effective.
(Basten, et al 2014)
Why Do Some Teachers Not Use Technology?
Even though there are multiple benefits that come with incorporating technology into the
classroom, there are negatives as well. One of the biggest mistakes that teachers and educators
can make is not effectively combining technology with their educational content. Simply adding
a web 2.0 tool, multimedia application, or any other form of technology just to say you added
technology does not mean that it will be effective at enhancing content or engaging students.
“Teachers need to conceptualize how the use of various programs which facilitate teaching and
learning effectively” (Bitner 2002, p.97). In some cases, however, teachers and educators do not
feel confident or supported in their efforts to incorporate technology into their classrooms.
Teachers and educators do not use technology for various reasons. Some simply do not
like using technology or digital devices, some educators do not feel as if their content area or
students will benefit from using technology, and some teachers are overwhelmed by the thought

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of incorporating technology into their own classrooms. However, using technology in the
classroom does not have to be scary. More often than not, educators and teachers shy away from
using technology in the classroom simply for a fear of the unknown. Author Bitner, 2002,
explains,
Using technology as a teaching and learning tool in the classroom can make teachers
anxious since it involves both changes in classroom procedures and the use of often-
unfamiliar technologies. Those responsible for asking teachers to use technology in the
curriculum should be aware that fears and concerns do exist. Helping teachers overcome
their fears, concerns, and anxiety is crucial to the success of the program (p. 96).
Telling a teacher or an educator to simply use some type of technology is not an effective
strategy to encourage integrating technology in a way that will positively affect their students
and the content being taught. Understanding the needs of students and having a strong
understanding of what content is being taught is essential for choosing what types of technology
to use. If an educator does not have the knowledge or understanding of those needs, then picking
technology to incorporate can be overwhelming. Moreover, it is even harder for teachers if they
don’t have support or the room to fail and learn from their mistakes. An environment where
failure is not an option makes it even harder for teachers to feel either capable or comfortable
incorporating technology in the classroom.
Technology in the classroom can also be viewed as distracting to some educators. For
example, imagine giving iPads to a classroom full 13-year-olds to use their classroom’s learning
app. That could potentially lead to half the class getting distracted by opening other applications
or using the Internet. Many teachers and stakeholders in education like the “traditional” look and
values of a classroom setting, and that does not involve heavy technology use. Some educators

8. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 8
and stakeholders even feel as if technology devalues the teacher themselves. When more and
more technology is used to instruct or teach the students, the teachers themselves become less
valuable. (Usner, 2017). Many teachers feel as if they are not as important to the educational and
classroom experience, because of technology. Some educators even feel as if technology makes
students lazy. They fear technology is more of a “prop” that does not allow students to actually
learn how to problem solve. (Ranasinghe, et al 2009).
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) says schools should focus on technology yet
incorporating technology into classrooms can be expensive. The ESSA has promoted that
schools and education in the U.S focus on well-rounded education, safe schools, and the
effective use of technology. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
published a guide to help states and Congress determine how to allocate funds for technology
and educational purposes. That figure was around $400 million for the entire country. (ISTE
2018). In order to effectively integrate technology in education, it is going to cost some money.
It is important for educators and teachers to know their resources. Yes, technology is expensive,
but there are handfuls of free web 2.0 tools, applications, and webinars educators can take
advantage of to help cut costs.
Educators also often shy away from technology when they do not have access to support
or educational resources (Usner, 2017). Whether that be reliable internet access, access to
computers or digital devices, proper IT training/support, or personal development in the basics of
technology. If educators do not have proper resources, then their ability to effectively incorporate
technology to enhance content is hindered. Moreover, if schools are struggling to get access to
proper technology resources, then students in those schools may be affected as well.

9. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 9
Digital Divide:
Integrating technology in the classroom also has an effect on the digital divide. The
digital divide can be described as, “the gap between people who have sufficient knowledge of
and access to technology and those who do not- can perpetuate and even worsen socioeconomic
and other disparities for already underserved groups” (Moore, et al 2018, p.1). Not all schools
have access to the same resources. When some schools, districts, and cities cannot provide the
same technology resources or support, it makes the digital divide even harder to close. The
digital divide is even affected by students having limited access to one or no digital devices at
home. Many students from rural or low-income area do not have access to high quality internet
access or do not have access to internet at all. “Computer usage is mainly at home, with 67%
using the computer almost every day at home” (Pena-Lopez, 2010, p.24). So, if students do not
have access to computers, digital devices, or the Internet at home, and these things are not being
used in the classroom, ultimately, they will suffer. If a student is on the disadvantaged side of the
digital divide it begins to hurt their data literacy skills, digital navigation skills, problem solving
skills, and critical thinking skills. Those skills are essential to surviving and being successful in
the real world (Moore, et al 2018). Which is why educators and teachers today should view
technology as a tool and a resource rather than a hinderance. Technology is a tool that can
engage and enhance education as well as be a resource for students to learn how to think
critically on their own.

10. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 10
Integration of Technology:
Technology does not have to be scary. Integrating technology into classrooms does not
have to be scary, either. Educators and teachers may feel anxious about technology or trying
something new, and that is okay.
Technology integration necessarily alters the traditional paradigm of the teacher
providing wisdom and the student absorbing knowledge...and for good reason. The
knowledge needed for tomorrow’s jobs will change before many of today’s students enter
the job market. Students today must learn to search and discover knowledge, actively
communicate with others, and solve problems so that they can become productive life-
long members of our society (Bitner, 2002, p.97).
It is important for teachers to educate themselves and invest in some personal and professional
development so that they are able to understand how to effectively use and incorporate
technology in their own classroom. Creating a system of support around themselves within their
schools and amongst their peers will encourage schools to foster a culture of growth and support.
(Ranasinghe, et al 2009) Teachers should not be afraid to fail because it will happen.
Conclusion
Teachers investing in their own education in tech are investing in the futures of their
students. Understanding how to effectively choose technology that engages their students and
enhances their educational content will directly benefits their learners. Students who experience
technology in the classroom experience a positive learning environment and are influenced to be
successful both in school and in the real world. Effectively understanding how to incorporate
technology in today’s classrooms can help to engage and enhance content being taught in
education.

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