Why Professors Should Embrace Technology in the Classroom

Last Updated on October 27, 2013

“Back in the day, when I was young, I'm not kid anymore, but some days I sit and I was a kid again…I remember.” This aforementioned chorus from the song, “Back in the Day” by Ahmad can be a representative of so many facets as it relates to education, but they can truly represent the state of mind of students, particularly HBCU students, in regards to technology and its use in the classroom. Yes, it seems it would be easier to go back to the methods of educational instruction that were used back in the day to complete your work, but will you be prepared as you graduate from college and hit the real world? Technology and all that it entails seems to have invaded our educational system. Gone are the days of an instructor using only chalkboards and erasers to teach. Present are the days when an instructor requires a student to have some type of electronic device to actively participate in class.

Allow Students To Be Competitive

Many instructors do not encourage the use of mobile devices because they feel that they are a distraction to students and the class routine. This is a common misconception. By allowing students in their classes to bring their devices to class, they can share so many useful applications or features that could assist with writing, grammar, and research. When an instructor feels hesitant about embracing technology, students will adopt the behavior of their instructor. This is a behavior that could hinder the student from being a competitive presence in their chosen field. Embrace technology. Do not be afraid to allow your students to bring their laptop, tablet, or mobile device to class and to use them.

Leverage Technology With Rules

There are several instructors who allow their students to utilize electronic devices in the class. These select individuals realize that if their students are to actively compete with their peers from other institutions, then students must establish a relationship with their devices. These individuals have also established rules that govern the use of devices in the classroom. These rules, which are established early in class, determine whether an instructor will spend the entire class complaining about devices or if the lesson for the day flows naturally.

Get over your fear. Let's not go back.

Photo Courtesy of BIGSTOCK

Naykishia D. Head

Naykishia D. Head is an Instructor of Freshman Composition at Tennessee State University. Her research interests are African American literature, Women’s Literature, and Gender Studies. As an alumna of Jackson State University, she made it her professional goal to teach at an HBCU.