Relative Advantage of Using Technology to Enhance Content Area Learning

There are many relative advantages of using technology to enhance content area learning.  The most obvious advantage to me is the ability to utilize technology to motivate students and make learning meaningful.  By evolving away from lectures and textbooks, and providing more interactive learning environments, students can be more engaged in the subject they are learning. 

Additionally, online learning environments can make up for any weaknesses that an educator may have.  For example, Roblyer & Doering (2013) describe a teacher (Ms. Anderson) who has advanced technology integration skills, but she has a  weakness is in content knowledge.  Ms. Anderson finds technology that reinforces the content standards needed, addresses content she is not yet fluent in, and uses it to the students’ advantage.

More relative advantages of using technology to enhance content area learning are providing the opportunity to:

• ·         Promote collaboration
• ·         Promote creativity
• ·         Providing instant feedback.
• ·         Foster exploration through virtual environments.
• ·         Use 21^st Century Skills.

References

Roblyer, M., & Doering, A. (2013). Integration Educational Technology into Teaching (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education.