The Benefits of Teaching with Technology

During the week of the 24th of March, in the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, the Student Interventions in General Studies: Interdisciplinary Project and Creative Initiatives was held by the English Department of the campus. The conference was divided into panels which had different topics respectively. I had the privilege of attending a panel the second day of the conference. Said panel was titled “Using Technology to Enhance Learning”. 

Two students spoke about how to incorporate technology in the classroom, specifically in writing courses. They emphasised on the usage of Google in order to achieve an efficient experience. The biggest benefit the students presented was that one could have one on one time with the professor. With the Google Drive program, the student could publish an essay online and the professor would have instant access to it. In the program, the professor would be able to comment on the text and help the student improve while using a more friendly method. The presenters also showed us how user friendly the program is. With this presentation, the viewers became more aware of the benefits of technology when used appropriately.

This panel reminded me of Jim Cooper’s Teaching English essay because this could be an alternative to alter the English Programs of different schools and universities. Since young people are so familiar with technology, this is a way to incorporate it with the learning process and make it more efficient. While relating to the students’ likes, the teachers would be incorporating the topics necessary for their classes.