In the last decade, technology has increased more than it has in the past century and effects the way that people live their daily lives, and is now starting to change how children are taught around the world. Technology can include almost everything that is used by people every day from cars to cell phones, but in the classroom, what people think about technology changes. Before smartphones came to be, students were taught by one teacher using textbooks, a pencil, and some paper. Now, teachers are starting to integrate different technologies into their lectures, and students and their learning abilities are responding positively to this change. Even in congress, the country’s budget is discussed about being changed to help schools purchase these new tools, and the United States is not the only country facing this problem. But, others think that this new way of teaching hinders students. They claim that these technologies distract students from learning. Although the standard classroom procedure for the most effective learning includes one teacher, a room full of students, textbooks, pencils, and paper, I believe that integrating technologies such as tablets, eBooks, classroom games, and flipped classrooms will help students learn more efficiently and further enjoy the process of learning.

Along with these technologies, it is important that the teachers learn how to properly introduce this new way of learning because if they do not it could be unproductive. People who are against integrating technology say that technology and computers are distracting and that there is a level of interaction that cannot be replaced by computers (Rosenberg). This is true until a teacher who has been trained to use these technologies enters. Ping Liu, a professor at California State University Long Beach, explains that the most effective way to integrate technology is to not only use technology while teaching, but to use a mix of both technology and non-technology techniques (Liu 88). By using this method of both technology and non-technology, the problem with the lack of student teacher interaction is eliminated because the teacher is still in the classroom helping students learn. This also helps to take away distractions because the teacher will be observing the students as they work. If someone becomes distracted with what they are working on, the teacher can come in and help the student get back on track. I have seen this method work in my own experience in high school. A teacher would assign a worksheet through our tablets and while we worked, the teacher would walk around the classroom helping students. If the teacher saw someone not doing work, they would get them back on track. If the teacher is successful in integrating technology, then the classroom will operate smoothly without any distractions. 

Education spending has been a controversial topic in congress for some time now and finding the right budget for education is the problem. It is important to spend enough money in education to where schools are able to prepare their students for the real world. While the U.S. spends more on education than any other developed country in the world, students are still finding it difficult to perform as well as their international rivals (CBS). Raising the budget in education does not guarantee a student’s success, but spending the money in the right areas will. This is not a problem for only the United States. Other countries are having trouble preparing their students for the challenges they will face after schooling. To better prepare students for the world, the education budget of countries should be focused on buying new technologies for students and training teachers to effectively integrate them.

One technology that is becoming increasingly helpful in classrooms that teachers will have to learn to integrate are tablet PCs. These tablets, including iPads, offer easy ways for teachers and students to share information with each other that help students learn. This creates a collaborative learning environment in the classroom.  A study done by professors at the Carnegie Mellon University examined the use of tablets in an eighth-grade geometry class, where students were given tablets to create flashcards to share to the other students to help them study. At the end of the study, students said that they were eager to use new technologies in the classroom, and teachers said that this was an effective way to encourage students to learn (Berque 80). When students are excited about the learning process and what they are learning, they improve their study habits at home and become more active in the classroom. This leads to improved participation and improved grades in the class (Berque 81). This study also addressed how students with disabilities responded to tablet PCs. Students with disabilities such as dyslexia and ADHD found it easier to pay attention and work in class (Berque 80). Having tablets lets these students be more hands on which can keep students interested. Tablets can also increase the size of any font making it easier for students with poor eyesight to read the material. This study shows what happens when teachers integrate tablets into classrooms effectively, but tablets also have benefits other than creating collaborative classrooms.

Tablet PCs can be used in the classroom to help in a multitude of ways, and tablets are not only being used in the United States but also around the world for education. A study by Syed Mubashir Ali, a department head for the United Arab Emirates, conducted a study with a school in the United Arab Emirates to show the benefits of having tablets in classrooms. One benefit that Syed discusses is that using tablets is more efficient and time saving (Ali 41). By using tablets, teachers can pre-assign work to students. This cuts out time that was used for going to the copier, printing out the worksheets, and handing out the papers to the students. By cutting out this time, there is more time for instruction by the teacher and work for the students. If students have more time to work, then they have more time to learn material and will perform better on test. Another benefit that comes from tablets PCs is that it allows for easier presentations (Ali 41). Tablets allow teachers to give their presentations on a slide show while students follow along on their tablets. This turns presentations into an interactive learning exercise. That means that students would be able to take side notes and make annotations to the presentation while the teacher is teaching which will help students better understand the topic and review it for later (Ali 41). If students better understand a topic and have an easier way to review the materiel, then they will perform better on tests and assessments. One last benefit of tablets discussed is that they allow teachers to give quizzes and tests online (Ali 41). Before, students had to take quizzes and test on paper, then the teacher would collect the papers and grade them. Depending on the teacher, it could take one day or one week for the papers to be graded. This puts stress on the students and teachers. By giving the tests and quizzes online, students will be given immediate feedback on their performance and teachers will be able to focus on helping students fix their mistakes. This reduces the stress put on to teachers and students. If this stress is reduced, students can focus more on studying and doing better on their assessments. While tablets bring a various amount of benefits, they also bring e-books which have their own set of benefits.

Tablets bring in the option to use eBooks in classrooms instead of textbooks. eBooks are electronic versions of textbooks. There are several benefits that come from these books that help students learn. With eBooks, students can become more interactive with their learning (Karsenti). eBooks allow students to make annotations when they are reading. Before the online version, students we not allowed to make annotations, besides sticky notes which only waste paper, because the textbook belong to the school and had to be used by any student who would want to take the class. eBooks also help students increase their vocabulary because a student can highlight a word and learn the definition in an instant. Without eBooks, students would have to find a dictionary to look up a word and take time out of their reading to flip through hundreds of pages to find the word. By being more interactive, students can learn more with e-books. eBooks also allow students to listen to the textbook instead of reading it (Karsenti). Every student learns in their own way, and for some students reading is not the best way for them to learn. eBooks gives students the option to either read or listen to the book. Before, students were forced to read their textbook for information. If a student had a reading problem, then they would not learn much from the textbooks. Since eBooks can read to students, students can learn in their own way that is best for them. Lastly, eBooks keep everything in one place (Karsenti). By reading on a tablet with an eBook, students have everything in one place including their textbook, notes, internet access, and dictionaries. This allows the student to be more organized while studying. If students are more organized, then they will have better study habits and will learn more efficiently. eBooks not only help in the classroom, but also help at home when teachers use a new style of teaching called a flipped classroom.

A flipped classroom is a new technology that is gaining attention from school boards across the country. This method of teaching changes the centuries-old method that have taught kids around the world.  BBC defines a flipped classroom as an idea of inverting traditional teaching methods by delivering lectures and classes online outside of school and using the time in school to do homework (Wakefield). This means that students do all their learning at home, and all their work in the classroom. While watching lectures, students can communicate to other students and their teacher if they have any questions. The teacher then becomes a guide in the classroom, helping students who have trouble with the new material. While most schools and teachers are skeptical about this new method of learning, one website called Kahn Academy has succeeded in having a flipped classroom. 

Kahn Academy was founded by Salman Kahn, a leading advocate of flipped classrooms. His videos first appeared on YouTube in 2004, and since then have expanded into his own websites teaching children around the world in subjects that can be found in any school (Wakefield). Schools have teamed up with Kahn to see how they can change the traditional method of learning and to see if it works. In March of 2014, the SRI Education performed a study on the effectiveness of Kahn Academy on students and teachers. Overall, the study found positive findings with students and teachers, where students performed better on tests and enjoyed using the website, and teachers used the website to support their instruction (SRI 15). This study found that both teachers and students enjoyed using Kahn Academy. But some are worried that Kahn Academy will completely eliminate the role of teachers. This study found that the teacher’s role is still critical even in the adoption of new technologies (SRI 15). Teachers and parents shouldn’t be worried because teachers will still be there for the students when they have questions in class. Another issue that was dealt with was if students could adapt suddenly to using this technology. Sometimes being thrown into using something new can be difficult. The study found that students are not ready to be independent learners, so it turns to the teachers to effectively teach their students proper study and independent learning habits (SRI 16). If the teachers learn how to implement this new technology, along with others, then the students will have the tools to perform effectively in their classes. 

Along with flipped classrooms, using tablet PCs allows students and teachers to use a new method of learning involving classroom games. Video games are a popular platform among students and has been proven to engage children of all ages. These games bring a new element to the classroom. One game called Classcraft has shown that video games can be used effectively in the classroom. Unlike other games which can be too difficult or violent, Classcraft is not only about content, but behavior, motivation, and management as well (Wakefield). Originally created by a Canadian teacher named Shawn Young, Classcraft is controlled by the teacher during the class. Teachers teach as normal and can offer their students points for good behavior, asking questions, and other good classroom behaviors. These points can be redeemed for prizes or can be used as extra credit. These points encourage students to participate in class and interact with other students. Penalties are given when students get distracted, show up late to class, or other unwanted classroom behaviors. Teachers who are integrating this game into their classrooms have reported better interaction, engagement, and motivation between students (Wakefield). This improvement between students shows that students can perform better. When students are interacting with each other, their teacher, and their work, they learn their material more effectively and improve their performance on work assignments. 

The increase of technologies in school can be seen all around the world. These technologies, including tablets, eBooks, flipped classrooms, and classroom games, not only help students build better study habits but also help them perform their best on assessments. Tablets allow students to communicate easily with each other and the teacher, and gives them the world at their fingertips. Tablets also gives students the chance to use eBooks, which lets them be more interactive in their learning. Tablet PCs also gives the teacher to utilize classroom games that encourage classroom participation and good behavior in students. While these technologies are physical, flipped classrooms bring a new perspective to the classroom. These new classes allow students to learn at their pace and in their unique style. Kahn Academy is an example of a flipped classroom that has proven to be successful in teaching students. All of these technologies help students in their studies. Despite the sudden increase of these technologies’ abilities to help students, schools are finding it hard to afford supplying their students with these new tools. It is up to the teachers and parents of students to push for change. Technology has been proven to help students and if they do not get the tools they need, they will not be able to succeed in the real world. 
