Educational Technology – Week 3

Reading through the article A Short History of Educational Technology I was reminded that the World Wide Web officially launched in 1991. I was born in 1991, that is 31 years ago. It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that I am as old as the internet and how much the world has changed in 31 years. In class we discussed the evolution of educational technology throughout the years. My generation was the first generation to grow up with what I consider to be modern educational technology. My dad once told he remembers using a typewriter in high school, but then in University he paid someone to type his essays on a computer. The past 31 years have exponentially grown the potential and possibilities of what technology can do for education. I may not have noticed it as much in elementary school and high school, but since I have become a teacher (6 years now), I am hyper aware of the impact educational technology can and does have on my teaching practice.

A contemporary definition of educational technology is hard to solidify because it feels like things change at such a rapid pace, it is difficult to define. I would say educational technology is the limitless potential of technological advancements to enhance one’s universal knowledge, skills, and understandings. I think as someone who values technology and the benefits it affords to my career and life I get caught up in the glamorizing of technology. Reading Neil Postman’s work this week was a reminder that as much as educational technology makes my life easier, that is not the case all of the time for everyone. He discussed the Faustian Bargain which states for every advantage a disadvantage is also created. I immediately think of social media. In 2013 I graduated from the U of R with a BBA majoring in Marketing. I told everyone I was going to run social media accounts for companies, and it was going to be the greatest job ever. Three months after graduating I moved to Germany to follow my boyfriend, now husband’s baseball career. Having never lived away from home I told myself I was going to be fine because I had Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram to keep me connected with my friends and family back home. In the 6 months we lived abroad I have never felt so disconnected in a world where everyone could always be connected. It was there I realized I did not want to run social media platforms and I applied for the education program.

My own understanding and practice of educational technology has changed so much throughout my 6-year teaching career. I see the unequal distribution of advantages technology brings forth and that is something I continue to grapple with almost every day. Postman said that society believes that problems can be solved by technology. In part I agree with this, there are so many things that make my life easier thanks to technology. However, Postman also said, “The consequences of technological change are always vast and often unpredictable and largely irreversible”. There are two sides to every coin. Social media is a connection tool and a hub for online hate and bullying. Examples like this are endless, but like anything in life, we have to choose to take the good with the bad.

 

Both Audrey Watters readings this week were interesting and entertaining. Continuing to look at good versus bad, I chose 4 Ed Tech Debacles to highlight.

#94 Online grade portals

GOOD – This is a fantastic tool for students and parents to view their current grades and assignments
BAD – Students and parents do not use it at all OR parents and students become obsessive over grades

#85 – Teacher Influencers

GOOD – Teachers are using platforms to connect with their students and (in countries that allow it) monetize their content
BAD – Teachers are losing their jobs because of viral content

 TeacherTrauma– One of my favorite accounts

#80 – Viral School Videos

GOOD – Positive social movements of positivity are given a global platform
BAD – Devious Licks   If you do not know what this is, check out the video and see what schools were dealing with last fall.

#46 – Compulsory Fitness Trackers

GOOD – Students are up and moving and valuing physical activity
BAD – Compulsory is never the right choice and could lead to body image issues

Educational technology is never going away and I think as an educator I will have to continue to navigate the good and the bad and learn as we go along. I have 24 years left and I can not begin to image how much educational technology will change and impact my practice over the course of my career.

If you have a prediction of what educational technology might look like in year 30 of my career, drop a comment below.

Thanks for reading,