Notes

Title: Skeleton Outline

Purpose: I want my audience to understand that technology is essential in the modern classroom environment.

Thesis: technology is essential for the educational experience and content comprehension.

Introduction: Let me ask you all a simple question. What do you think makes learning fun? Is there any kind of specific aspect that makes something worth learning? These have been questions that people have been asking for years and with the advent of modern technology, they will soon be answered. Oftentimes, we view technology as something that brings hostility and unwanted change. However, in an educational environment, it's time we started to view technology as our friend as opposed to our enemy.

Preview Statement: Today, I am going to show you what makes technology so amazing in the learning environment. First, I'll be explaining how technology aids education through its emphasis on visual aids. Second, I'll be discussing how technology provides collaboration opportunities in the classroom. Lastly, I'll show how technology can be used to retain the attention of students.

I. Technology enhances the educational environment through its ability to allow visual aids

A. According to Doug Johnson, in his book "The Classroom Teacher's Technology Survival Guide," Powerpoint slides containing photograph images allow for proper visualization, making learning more colorful and fun.

B. Furthermore, the visual aids brought about by the use of television can also be beneficial. Maurine Doerksen, in her article "Classroom Combat: Teaching and Television," asserted that simple technology such as television can reinforce concepts taught in a learning environment as long as potential distractions are not facilitated.

Transition: With visual aids provided by these basic technological feats, the educational possibilities seem almost limitless. But that's not all that technology has to offer.

II. Technology also offers unique opportunities for collaboration

A. The George Lucas Educational Foundation, in its article "How to Integrate Technology," has stated that resources like Google Sites and Skype allow for teachers to connect and collaborate both inside and outside of the classroom.

B. According to Walden University, technology can also inherently bolster both communication and collaboration through outlets such as emails. This allows teachers to effectively communicate concepts and requirements with all of their students.

C. Because of these enhanced forms of collaboration both inside and outside of the classroom, assignments such as group projects become much more feasible. Through these various projects, students will be able to understand the concepts they are being taught much more effectively.

Transition: Although these benefits serve as primary reasons as to why technology is crucial in education, there is one quintessential element of technology that makes it perfect for the learning environment: it can retain student attention.

A. According to Walden University's article "Top 5 Benefits of Technology in the Classroom," the main reason why technology is beneficial is because of how it can make education an engaging environment. This is accomplished through the use of models, interactives, and electronic simulations that are all oriented toward maintaining student attention.

B. According to the article "Instructional Models for Course Design and Development," the author Reginald F. Melton claims that technology in the form of models can not only bolster understanding but also turn the learning process into something that is fun and enjoyable for children.

Conclusion: In summary, technology has now become a teacher's greatest ally. Although the older methods of teaching have not become completely null and void, there is still room for improvement through the use of technology.

Final Appeal: I hope that one day all of the teachers of modern society will realize that technology is not something to fear. Instead, it is a beautiful gift that gives students the opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger academically. I believe that once these technologies have been appropriately integrated into curriculums across the globe, students will finally be able to reach their full potential and become the best people that they can be.