What happens when you find yourself driving to soccer practice at the same time that the debate sign-up opens? Well, you end up finding out a lot more about why educational technology may not always enhance learning in our classrooms. I am a bit of a techie (and trekkie), so having to debate against the idea of using tech in the classroom was one of those silver linings.
This quote sums up my viewpoint on technology in the classroom. In the quote, one keyword stands out, ‘thoughtful’. As I read it, this word means intentional or purposeful, not just for the sake of checking a box on an evaluation or trying out some new ‘toys’. Technology is a modern reality, and the use of it within our classrooms can provide the necessary skill development for our modern working world.
Kids these days, they’re different…(another time, another place for that debate), but the learners in our classrooms have evolving needs. Technology is perhaps the pinnacle of efficaciousness. From challenging those gifted learners to supporting those who have delays or gaps in their learning, technology can be the classroom pet you have always dreamed of – the octopus.
Technology in the classroom has the opportunity to be the great equalizer. The World Wide Web has many free resources, many digitized resources that can be read to our ‘non-readers’. This instant access highlights the importance of critical thinking skills. Free and widely available means fewer checks and balances. This means any septuagenarian can gain power and spout lies that can be perceived as truths without critical thinking skills. As much as tech can equalize, it can also highlight the digital divide 2.0.
I often wonder, what is the best age to dive into bringing Chromebooks into our classrooms? There is no doubt that technology is now vital to supporting the special needs of the children in our classrooms. From reading to language learning and other cognitive or physical abilities, all these students can benefit from technology. As a class, I feel ‘thoughtful’ inclusion of technology is the best practice.
Personal note: I am not a supporter of the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. However, I think the video provides that stern speech that, if not careful, can convince you of…
Hi Dustin, so crazy as I just posted on comment that was very similar to your comment “Kids these days, they’re different”. I was just challenging someone else to think about how generation to generation kids are a different breed. Don’t you remember being a child and your parents saying “when I was a child, I….”. I agree with you that it enhances learning and also needed to be respected and intentional. I would worry if there was no technology in my children’s classroom that they would be left behind and not get the necessary tools for success in a high-tech world. I do however agree that classrooms have evolving needs but that hands learning and personal connections are always best for children. It has to be an additional recourse rather than a replacement. An octopus analogy is fantastic but with only 8 legs it also has limits😊 Plus, some children may need a human hand to hold to approach such a beast☹. LOL
Hi Dustin,
I love that you are such a supporter of technology in the classroom but were able to argue against it in class last week! You argued in class that technology can lower academic performance and can be a conduit for distraction but in your post, you discuss the power of technology to help all learners and prepare them for the real world. I believe that both of these arguments can be true depending on how the tools of technology are used by teachers and students. There is a never ending list of tools that can help in the classroom and I think the real challenge is for teachers to be able to choose the right tool at the right time for the right reason.
Also, my 2 cents regarding chromebooks in the classroom is that I think we should do away with iPads and start teaching students how to use chromebooks as early as Grade 1. That may be an unpopular opinion but while most students have access to iPads and/or phones at home, many of them do not have access to a keyboard based device that can be used for education. This echoes Dr. Horvath’s research about Primary Function and how it can affect the efficacy of technology in the classroom.
P.S. I tried the hyperlink coding that you shared with me in Discord – I hope it works 🙂
I really enjoyed reading your perspective, especially your emphasis on the word “thoughtful” in Darling-Hammond’s quote. That framing is key. Like you, I believe technology has incredible potential when it’s used with clear purpose and intention, rather than just to tick boxes or keep up with trends. Also your metaphor of technology as the “classroom pet” an octopus with many helpful arms was both creative and spot-on. It captures how tech can support diverse learners in so many ways, from accessibility tools to extension opportunities for gifted students.
You also raise a valid point about the digital divide 2.0 and the critical need for media literacy. As you said, access to information isn’t always the same as access to accurate information. Teaching students to think critically about what they encounter online is essential.
Thanks for sharing such engaging reflection!
Nofisat
I, too, had the conundrum of having sports start at the same time as the sign-up, which for me meant hotspotting off my phone, so I could sit in my car outside my son’s baseball game to get signed up, so I wouldn’t have to present while I was driving across Montana. Lol! Anyway, you did a great job presenting. I couldn’t agree more – thoughtful use of technology is key. Technology for technology’s sake is often a waste. I’ve worked in divisions that were like “Here’s this new device/program/software, it’s the best, have fun using it!” and gave teachers a 30-minute tutorial on all its great uses during the two days of in-service in August, when we have a few other things on our minds. It has always felt like such a waste. Finding what works and knowing how to maximize its benefits for teachers and students – that is the sweet spot. Often, I find these tools are best found from teachers simply sharing with each other. For example, I bet if we started a best tech tools category in our whole-class blog (which I guess we kind of have in the #resources discord, but that feels different to me somehow) we as a group of 20 could pool some of the best tech tools that are out there that many in our group have never heard of or thought would be useful in their area. We are often our best resources.
Hey Dustin.
I wanted to commend you for your brilliant debating skills; arguing against tech use in a Masters level educational technology class is no joke. I am even more impressed after reading your blog post and finding out that your ‘against’ position doesn’t reflect your true opinion of tech enhancement in the classroom at all! You were convincing nonetheless – I was nodding along to many of your points and considering to myself, ‘maybe tech use isn’t as wonderful as I thought.’ I especially enjoyed your point on students needing 24/7 entertainment, due to tech use, and thought it sparked a great class conversation on the importance of boredom in children.
I agree with your point on ‘thoughtful’ technology use. I agree that technology can enhance learning…as long as the purpose is there. Enjoyed reading your post here – thanks!
Teagan