Missouri classrooms maximize educational value of technology

Columbia, Mo.—As students across Missouri prepare to head back to school, some adults may be reminiscing about their own educational experiences. Many can remember a time before computers even existed in the classroom, when listening to headphones at school resulted in disciplinary action and parents seldom spoke to teachers outside the occasional parent-teacher conference.

Thanks to technology, Missouri students now have very different educational experiences. They are able to communicate not only with one another, but also with other students from around the world. Projects never before imaginable are being conducted in classrooms all over the state.

Zeke Long serves as operations manager for Socket, a Missouri-based telephone and Internet provider whose customers include some Missouri schools and educational organizations.

“Technology has resulted in several exciting opportunities in education,” Long said. “Not only has it expanded student learning, but it has also improved communication between parents, teachers and students.”

Technology and education now come together in many unique and innovative ways. Lectures and classroom activities are conducted using interactive whiteboards. Students post class assignments and access lectures and study materials online. Parents communicate with school officials and receive important school updates via e-mail and the school’s Web site.

Eric Langhorst teaches history at South Valley Junior High in Liberty, Mo.

“Students are already using new types of technology,” Langhorst said. “As teachers, we have a responsibility to incorporate that technology in the classroom when it has the potential to enhance the curriculum.”

Last year, members of Langhorst’s American history course read a book and discussed it online with classmates, students from California and the author of the book. Langhorst also records and posts “studycasts” to his Web site. These audio files can be accessed online or downloaded to an MP3 player to help students review course material.

“These techniques are very easy and cost-effective to implement,” said Langhorst, who also teaches a graduate course in educational technology at Park University. “If 20 minutes or so is all it takes for me to create something that several students can use repeatedly to help them learn, that’s a very good investment of my time.”

Advancements in technology are not only fascinating, but many experts believe they have a positive effect on learning. Langhorst reports greater enthusiasm from his students and better performance from various types of learners. Several studies report that students receive higher test scores when technology is used in the lesson. With these promising findings, technology is certain to expand to other classrooms across the state.

“We’re really pleased to see Missouri schools using technology to enhance learning,” Long said. “Technology really can make a difference in the education of young people, and we’re excited to be a part of that.”

Socket Tech Talk is provided as a service to distribute general information concerning technology-related topics. Please consult your local computer expert for information specific to your situation.