The theory of sociological change that best describes this change is Functionalism. Since functionalists view society and social behavior predictable, that would include the addition of technology into educational programs. “Incorporating technology effectively whenever possible gives learning a huge boost because teachers are further engaging students with the tools students naturally use” (Devaney). Not only must new teachers learn new technologies, they must find ways to infuse it in your classroom goals and assessments.
Technology is the source of great motivation for students of the 21st century. “Success at a challenging task, which is most likely to lead to …show more content…
The teacher had worked with special needs children for five years and had+ seen firsthand some of the amazing applications for these learners. Unfortunately, many schools cannot afford the luxury of this new technology so it has been left for the parents to purchase and teach with at home. Parents of special needs children are much more likely make the purchase and extend the learning in the home. Arlington Public Schools has incorporated iPads to the entire elementary school student body. “The combination of rich graphics, an intuitive touch screen, and lightning-fast processing speed is bringing educational technology to new levels of student engagement” …show more content…
Soon they were finding applications and uses for the iPads in all the grade levels, thus making function even greater. The manifest function was to use iPads in the class for children with disabilities, and the latent function was the benefit to all of the other students without learning disabilities. First and second graders are now “creating their own books online, complete with student-generated text and images along with links to external sites, photos, and videos” (Levy) as they advance in competency of their new skills. This was truly an impressing article. I am a college student and I wouldn’t know where to begin to create an online book. This just shows that when children are motivated and encouraged to achieve, they can accomplish anything.
In functionalism, you recognize that there are also consequences that are not beneficial, which are called dysfunctions. Many would say there are several dysfunctions to having technology in education. We are more dependent on technology as a society. Children have less desire to read actual books versus web browsing. Libraries are becoming obsolete, due to the convenience of the internet. Most kids these days, don’t know what an almanac is, or have ever seen an encyclopedia. The foundation is being lost. Yet, the world is at our fingertips