Technology in the Classroom?

            As we move forward in the rapidly changing world of technology, as educators, we must ask ourselves; should we utilize the new tool of technology with our students? Or is technology dumbing down our students?

Computer lab from the late 90's
What my computer lab looked like as a grade 8 student.

Going through elementary in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, in some form I heard these famous words from every teacher I had, “You need to know your multiplication facts! You’re not going to walk around with a calculator in your pocket all day now are you!?”

Oh, the irony that statement holds today. It’s just that, we have a whole computer with access to anything we could ever think of that fits into our pockets. So, what is the perfect balance with or without technology?

In my opinion, I do believe as educators we need to keep up with technology. Both teachers and students should know how to use technology efficiently. While some may view this as lazy, I believe if taught correctly, this can be very effective. For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic within the education system these days, both in grade school and university. Some look at it as a form of plagiarism while some look at it as another online resource or search engine such as Google. If students learn how to properly utilize this resource in a way to assist in efficiency that stills holds the individual’s own thoughts and voice, then we should be teaching students how to prompt AI correctly to portray their own thoughts, voice, and beliefs.

Picture of Artificial Intelligence.

On the contrary, teaching students the foundations of subject areas are still essential. Students need to still be taught how to critically think for themselves while challenging what they have learned. This is where it gets tricky. With the use of technologies such as AI, this can very easily eliminate that critical thinking aspect that we strive for. So, if a teacher decides to use the tools in their classroom, we need to ensure we are not losing our voices while doing so.

What do you guys think, is using AI a form of cheating? Should we decrease the amount of technology that is being used in the classroom? Interested in hearing what you think!

See you next week!

Zach

Published by

nenson1z

My name is Zach Nenson.  I was born here in Regina, Saskatchewan.  I have lived here my hole life with majority of my family here who I am very close with.  I attended W.F. Ready Elementary School and Balfour Collegiate High School.  After high school I went on to University of Regina on a wrestling scholarship studying Kinesiology.  I ended up dropping out after a year and decided to enter the work force.  I started working as an electrician and obtained a journeyman ticket from Sask Polytechnic in Moose Jaw.  After working as an electrician for about five years I realized it was something that I did not want to do for the rest of my life.  It didn't give me the fulfilment I was looking for in a life long career.       I currently am working as an educational assistant for Regina Public Schools.  I have been doing this for about five years now.  This is the main reason why I decided to get into Education.  I found a real passion helping kids in the classroom.  The satisfaction I get while seeing the progress these kids make throughout the year not only as a student but as an individual is something I will never get sick of seeing.  Growing up with a mom who is an educator I've seen what a fun but challenging career like this can look like. In my spare time I enjoy spending it with family and friends.  I have played all kinds of sports my whole life so any type of exercise I enjoy.  The two sports I currently still play is soccer and golf.  When I have time I really enjoy traveling as well.  Right after high school I went to Thailand for three months where I didn't leave the beach.  A few years later I went backpacking through South America for about six months.  The memories and friends I met along the way are memories that I will never forget.  I loved learning different types of cultures and customs that other countries had to offer.  It has taught me many different life lessons as well as to be open minded while meeting people with different life styles than mine. 

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