The Great Ed Tech Debate- Take 1 & 2

Wow! Great job teams, the Great Ed Tech Debate was started strong!

Initially, when I first read all the statements, my opinions was were mostly one sided. This past week, I was reminded how many sides of each story has!

Debate Topic #1: Technology in the classroom enhances learning.

My first response was like “Duh! What would we do without it!” Most of my peers agreed as we saw in the pre vote when around 80% of students believed that this statement was true!

Here are the main arguments that convinced this statement to be true.

  • Technology engages students.
  • Improves access for teachers and students to receive up to date resources and facts.
  • Provides means for all learners with multiple needs.
  • Enhances communication and feedback
  • Efficient planning and teaching, so teachers can spend time connecting and building relationships.
  • Technology allows students to take the lead on inquiry-based learning.
  • Students learn skills that will set them up for the future.

Let’s be real, there are countless ways that that technology enhances teaching and learning. However, the apposing team’s statement brought to my attention some very interesting, and accurate points!

Here are the main arguments that convinced this statement to be false.

  • Technology distracts students from learning.
  • Technology emphasized societal gaps and highlight inequities.
  • Less retained when note taking and engaging on technology
  • Negative effects on physical, mental, and social health.

While my list for the negative effects of technology is much shorter, they seemed to have hit me in a much deeper way and even as an adult, I can relate to some of the effects!

I hate to admit it but, technology can distract me, in my personal and professional life. While, I love technology and it benefits me in countless ways, I see the detriments it does or can play. Even though I have boundaries and know limits, I can spend too much time scrolling, obsessing over this and that, and then become overwhelmed!

For me, these boundaries and knowledge came with experience and my era of technology development was very forgiving. Today world of technology is much less forgiving. Apps, tools, connections are all being tossed children’s way with little or no guidance, leaving them reliant and obsessive on devices.

Being so incredibly reliant on devices, can make social situations more difficult face to face than over an email or even a phone call. As time goes on the difficulty will only continue to grow as the face to face interactions and connections are not practiced.

With the availability of technology and the joy it brings to children, things such as sports, fitness, sleep, reading and even eating can be pushed aside. We know as adults how time consuming and addictive devices can be and like to think we have the will power to stop, eat, sleep but it even for adults we know it can be challenging. So for children, they really need that guidance.

Lastly, I must agree with the information that is less retained while reading and taking notes on the computer. I am still a person who loves to print off readings, highlight and write notes on the side. I find the same thing with students. When I ask them to play a digital game about a topic, they sometimes rush through and don’t understand the concept, because it appears more abstract. However, a game with blocks and dice, etc. can sometime be much more effective.

In conclusion, both made excellent points about how amazing technology came be. Its quick, effective, engaging, connects us to every possible opportunity out there, but….

The big BUT here is that it is used effectively and proper situations, with an intentional purpose. Technology is amazing, there is no doubt about that, but moderation, boundaries and background education needs to be put in place to make it the best it can be.

 

Debate #2: Technology has led to a more equitable society.

This topic was slightly different than the last because I was totally split down the middle… I agreed but I also disagreed! I was interested to hear each team’s arguments and see if they could help me decide a favourable position.

Agree Arguments:

  • Personalize lessons to meet students learning needs.
  • Opportunities to reduce societal gaps.
  • Optimize workspaces for people with all abilities.
  • Bring awareness to the present gaps in society.

Disagree Arguments:

  • The Digital Divide became more emphasised and expanded during Covid Pandemic.
  • The gap only becomes larger as society relies more on technology.

Since both teams made amazing points, my opinion remained undecided, much like our first topic.

On the one hand, I have witnessed the life changing tools provided by technology that can give people the ability to see, move, hear, share stories, reduce pain… the list goes on.

Yet, what is unbelievable is that those resources are not shared by all. Due to the discrepancy of resources and knowledge that are attained by different classes, the gap continues to be increase.

While the main culprit is not technology, but the various other continuous systemic issues, technology does play a part in perpetrating those gaps.

In the end, this is such a tricky question because yes, it is completely extraordinary what it can assist people with. However, if it not available, implemented, taught and practiced the gap only grows.

Oh Technology, What Would We Do Without You!

Technology is a naturally engrained part of my day, from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep, I am connected in some sort of way. Even when I intentionally disconnect, technology is what gets me to that space.

Now, because technology is such a huge part of every day, I decided to categorize the uses up into three sections, Communication & Connection, Effective & Efficiency, and of course Luxury & Entertainment.

The list was overwhelming so I tried to break it down as best I could without writing a novel.

I came to realize that although I am not the techiest person, man on man do I rely on technology.

Communication & Connection:

Devices: Cell Phone, Computer

Apps: Text Message, Facetime/Zoom, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Email

If I had to choose one thing technology did for me, it would be the most basic of communication. I feel so grateful to have a device that keeps me consistently connected with family and friends. It puts my mind at ease to check in with a sick friend, School emails keeps me organized and on top of my duties for the week, I can share good news with my family in one place, and I can get a sweet video from my niece and nephew to bright up my day. As many would probably agree, all these simple methods of communication, became more valuable than ever during the Covid Lockdowns. Although nothing replaces face to face connection, I am truly thankful that I never missed a beat even in months of not seeing loved ones!

Effective & Efficiency:  

Devices: Computer, Projector, Cell Phone

Apps: Various Teacher Subscriptions, Email, Pinterest, TPT

Although I am most thankful for communication, without technology I would be completely lost in my work as a teacher. First, I would be late to work every day, I would spend every moment of my free time prepping for teaching and guaranteed my lessons would not be engaging at all!

 

My first thought was back to when I was in elementary school, how my teachers would have to hand write report cards, and notes and make their own worksheets! Jeepers!! Thank goodness for copy & paste, and printers!!

Now, with a click of a button I have access to pre-made lessons, worksheets, units, and various tools and videos to engage in those lessons. We have so many options, and although it can be extremely overwhelming, we are so lucky that if one way of teaching doesn’t work we can instantly show student more examples or a variety of different way to get the outcome across. Not to mention teach me concepts I don’t know!

We can project videos, interactive platforms and examples and even do examp

les along with the students using a document cam.

These devices also make me reliable! With the use of my phone I can wake up on time, check the traffic updates for my route to school and access to instant communication to help colleagues and students’ families.

Luxury & Entertainment:

Devices: Cell P

hone, AirPods, Watch, Wifi

Apps: Social Media, Music, Netflix, etc., Skip the Dishes

Okay, okay… I know I talked the other sections up, but of course I love my little bit of luxury that technology provides me. I start my day with a really smart lamp that imitates a sunrise so I can wake up slowly and cozy…. How it works, I don’t know…WIFI?

Then I roll over and the first thing I do is grab my phone, look for any updates from family and friends. Then, get this, before I even get out of bed I know how to dress for the weather, updated on current events and posting and I am reminded to pay my bills and transfer the money over in minutes. It’s amazing!

Then I slip on my watch, which will tell me how many steps I take, how many hours I stand and exercise, and get this it will remind me when to breath when I need to relax!

As I drink my coffee, I scroll through my social media platforms where I am informed of all the gossip, who’s birthday it is and get jealous of all the people traveling the world! I then pop in my AirPods that sync up to my watch and phone so when I go for a run, I can have my little friend Siri, tell me how many km’s I’ve gone, my pace, she’ll skip songs for me and would even reply to text messages if I wanted!

If I chose to workout inside, I have my own personal trainer on my fitness app or if I want to hit the treadmill, I can try to forget I’m running by somehow magically cast one of my pointless reality shows from my phone to the tv.

These routines all happen before 7 am…

As my day goes on, technology is consistently my source of information, entertainment and of course communication.

I do enjoy a good break from, MOST technology, when at the cabin or out camping, but evidently it is the reason I am there. It is how I book my camp sites and pointed me in the right direction with the help of Google Maps. It is how I ordered the groceries and the sleeping bag I am using.

The list goes on and on and on. Our world completely relies on technology. Although it sometimes gets a bad wrap for being unreliable or tricky or killing our brain cells…. When used properly it saves us time, creates community, and of course keeps us amused!

Thank you Technology!! Don’t know what I would do without you!