www.hotessay.cn 浩天论文网 专业留学生essay代写网站Essay写作范文教学方法融入课堂What are the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating technology into the classroom with a specific focus on non-ICT lessons?The use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in education has been described as engaging, enabling and transformative (Clark et al. 2009; Prensky, 2010). ICT can improve both personalisation and collaboration, providing tools and experiences that can aid social and independent learning (OHara, 2008; Selwyn et al. 2010). Throughout non-ICT subjects, technology can help to create an enabling environment, founded on communication and interaction (OHara, 2008, p.29). ICT can also structure childrens understanding of curriculum content in non-ICT lessons, while helping them to develop knowledge of processes that will be of significant use in their future lives (DfES, 2006).However, only one in four schools are succeeding in employing ICT to enhance learning across the curriculum, which suggests that there are barriers to the effective use of ICT in non-ICT lessons (BECTA, 2009). While developing practical skills with technology is essential, children will also need to cultivate a reflective, metacognitive awareness (Flavell, 1979, p.908) of their own creative and safe engagement with ICT in order to use it effectively in non-ICT lessons (Sharples et al. 2009). This concept has been defined as e-confidence and is a key concern for teachers when planning learning experiences involving ICT (QCA/NAACE, 2007).A framework of possibilities for using ICT throughout the curriculum has been developed by the National College of School Leadership (Blows, 2009). This matrix involves a progressive scale of e-words, which describe the increasing effectiveness of ICT as a tool to transform learning and develop childrens higher-order thinking skills (Blows, 2009; Bloom, 1956). The ICT and Learning matrix can be seen in Fig.1:ICT and learning matrix Fig.1 ICT and Learning: e-words matrix (Blows, 2009)By referencing this matrix against other educational theories, it will be argued that embedding technology into non-ICT has the potential to extend and empower learners (Blows, 2009). However, the key point is that ICT needs to be used to support, challenge and empower learners, rather than simply being exchanged for traditional teaching methods in order to meet national agendas (Blows, 2009).Blows (2009, no page numbers) emphasises the importance of using ICT to enhance learning, rather than simply exchange it with traditional resources. Furthermore, Prensky (2010) recognises the limitations of using technology just for the sake of it. For example, using an iPAD or SMARTboard as a dynamic, problem-solving device for group work in mathematics or geography would be beneficial to supporting cognitive development (Adey, 1992). However using these technologies as basic presentation tools, or only to display multimedia content would be a less effective use of the resources. Tondeur et al. (2006, p.963) assert that schools concentrate too much on teaching the practical use of ICT programs, rather than using technology to improve learning, collaboration and cognition. ICT is still seen as separate from other subjects and needs to be embedded into non-ICT subjects more organically (Tondeur et al., 2006). However, this should not be at the detriment of traditional skills, for example map reading and measuring in geography.Conole (2007, p.82) recognises three fundamental shifts in education since the beginning of the twenty-first century:from a focus on information to communication, from a passive to more interactive engagement, and . from a focus on individual learners to more socially situative learning.The implication is that technology must be harnessed to extend learners, rather than passively replacing previous resources (Blows, 2009). By successfully integrating technology into non-ICT subjects, ICT can create collaborative experiences that are both engaging and more effective than was previously possible (OHara, 2008). For example, students can use the internet to research and share knowledge, and use creative computer programs in collaboration with other social groups. However, a disadvantage of using ICT is that it can hinder students cognitive and problem-solving by providing too much support (OHara, 2008). An interactive database in science is beneficial to learning, but should not over-simplify learning as this would be to the detriment of student progression and understanding. In contrast, the new Computing Programmes of Study (DfE, 2013) suggest that students need practical skills in computing before ICT can be used to enhance non-ICT subjects. ICT can be advantageous in non-ICT subjects as long as it balances practical application with collaborative and creative learning.Technology can be employed in non-ICT lessons to support children in creatin