Teacher vs. Student Centered Technology Use

Teacher Centered Technology

Teacher-centered Technology Pros

• Students are present to hear everything the teacher has to say
• Teacher can answer questions about content immediately
• Teacher knows the student has heard all the information and not skimmed over it
• There is order in class as the teacher has control of the technology used

Teacher-centered Technology Cons

• Students may get bored, even if the teacher has attempted to use technology to make things interesting
• Students are largely left on their own outside of class, even if they have questions
• Students may work with others in class, but collaboration outside of class on homework can often be discouraged.

Student Centered Technology

Student Centered Technology Pros

• Student is free to take assignments at their own pace
• The student has the teachers attention in class, helping them learn
• The students can discover the material on their own, rather than feel burdened by it

Student Centered Technology Cons

• Students are not held to a standard of participation outside of the classroom
• Students are limited by what the teacher has given them to work with
• Classroom management can be an issue with their time freed up in the classroom
• Some students may have difficulty focusing on their own

Which is better??

Try both out in your classroom!