Learning Journal 2: The Role of Technology

What is the role of technology in the classroom?
The role of technology in the classroom is very important and aids in enhancing education. It allows students to gain perspective through various techniques that serve to enlighten them. It broadens the scope of what you can do in a classroom by introducing new and innovative ways to teaching and learning, thus encouraging creativity. It can help make resources more easily accessible to students, and help the class run more efficiently. From using computer based tutorials to clarify subject matter, or Microsoft Office for various writing, graphing, or other purposes, to course websites like the "wiki" to make course materials more accessible to students, technology truly plays a great role in the classroom. 
What is the role of technology outside the classroom?
Outside the classroom, as in inside the classroom, technology plays a big role. Technology is all around us, and can be used in various forms. Technology provides practical ways in completing many tasks. It allows you to complete certain tasks more efficiently and more quickly. Technology can be used to help one relax, or be entertained, such as the use of music or the media. Technology can allow a person to work from home, if that is their choosing. Technology even lets you do things on the go (i.e. receiving emails through your phone, portable laptops, etc.). The use of technology is limitless, as it takes on different forms, completes different tasks, and essentially makes life a whole lot easier.
In what ways can these two worlds overlap? In what ways should they be avoided?
We live in a society where technology has consumed our lives. Technology is literally everywhere, so undoubtedly the role of technology inside the classroom, and the role of technology outside the classroom will cross. These worlds overlap because education does not simply occur in the classroom alone, but outside of the classroom as well. With technology you can now work on assignments from home. You can do further research on the course material you are learning in order to increase your understanding of it. If a student is asked to complete a project, technology allows them to do their project where they chose, and at their own pace. It also allows them to find various resources that can aid them with the project. While the overlapping of these worlds can have many uses, there are some things that should be avoided. With the overlapping of these worlds, proper classroom etiquette can be threatened. When one allows the outside personal use of technology to enter the classroom, it may serve as a distraction and hinder the learning atmosphere. So when choosing to overlap these worlds, it is important to set boundaries. Certain activities cannot be brought into the classroom (i.e. texting, phone calls, video chat, etc.), and when allowing assignments to be done outside the classroom, guidelines must be set to ensure that this does not become an excuse to cheat, or to procrastinate. Technology has helpful roles both inside and outside the classroom, but you must keep in mind, where, when, and how, to use it.