Integration of Technology by Kelsey

Integration of Technology by Kelsey - May 2020 Scholarship Essay

The development of education to be seen in 50 years is a question that hits close to home. In the short time that I have been teaching, I have seen a vast amount of changes. I believe as time goes on; we will continue to shift towards technology in education at all levels.
When I was in high school, just 6 short years ago, we used standard textbooks in the classroom. If you were to walk into a classroom today, there is a high chance the student’s textbook is now electronic. Most school systems, particularly in the Cincinnati area, are now loaning out laptops to students each year. Students use these to submit online homework, access virtual textbooks, and view online lectures from home. Similarly, their laptops are being utilized in the classroom. Students are now allowed to type their notes in some classes as opposed to handwriting them. Often times, teachers are sending them links to assignments to work on in class as well. The need for computer labs is no longer there because students have access to that type of technology all of the time. Districts have been integrating this form of technology for the past several years giving time for both students and teachers to adapt.
The current status of our world is only vamping up the steaks in terms of technology in education. In March, schools at all levels where forced into non-traditional instruction. You now see groups of 3rd graders joining zoom chats with their classmates and teachers daily. This is something we would have never predicted. I believe this has reassured a number of people of the capabilities of virtual learning. While it may not be ideal for every student, many kids are given extra resources online to reinforce the topics their teachers are relaying.
I believe that because of the current COVID crisis as well as the previous integration of technology in the classroom, we will certainty see a rise in the use of technology in education in 50 years. I predict that the number of high school and college students taking online classes will increase by at least 25%. Similarly, students that are taking in person classes will be required to do a number of tasks online both in school and at home. Hard copies of textbooks will cease to exist. Teachers will be posting online lectures and taking advantage of in class time to work individually with students on problems.
Think back to the early 2000’s when only adults had cell phones and pagers were still around. It’s 2020 and kids of all ages have cell phones they use for games and talking to their friends. I imagine that in 2070, you won’t be able to meet someone K-12 that doesn’t own a laptop or tablet.