Advantages and Disadvantages of Instructional Technology in the Community College Classroom

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Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 27: 473–484, 2003 Copyright # 2003 Taylor & Francis 1066-8926/03 $12.00 +.00 DOI: 10.1080/10668920390190600 CHALLENGES, ADVANTAGES, AND DISADVANTAGES OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CLASSROOM Adel AL-Bataineh Leanne Brooks Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA This article takes an historical look at the lessons learned in the 20 years of computer-based technology integration (Valdez, McNabb, Foertsch, Anderson, Hawkes, & Raack, 1999). Interjected are the perspectives of usage during the 15-year implementation within a highlighted school district, including current issues related to their technology plan. Whereas some issues associated with technology use have been evident since its inception, others are just now emerging. By studying the progression from a focus on print automation, to learner-centered approaches, to virtual learning via the Internet, strategies applicable in today’s classroom are revealed. The consensus of the accumulated knowledge is analyzed in a look at current challenges and trends. Technology use finds itself woven into an almost daily educational discourse and debate. It is relatively easy to forget that computer use in education is a relatively new phenomenon that has evolved to widespread use only within the last 20 years. Teachers began to have more control over classroom technology use with the introduction of the first microcomputers in 1997 according to Roblyer and Edwards (2000). Even as technology use and application advances at an almost logarithmic pace, many of the issues related to technology use remain remarkably constant. These include properly trained staff, adequate equipment, ongoing funding, and successful integration of technology in order to maximize learning. Effectively meeting such challenges can magnify the advantages of

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