In my opinion, all three readings have a couple key points in common. First of all, the general theme of both Tech Tonic and The Flickering Mind is that technology is not the end all be all, especially in the realm of education. That is, just because new technologies exist and continue to progress, this does not necessarily mean that the educational system and instructional strategies will dramatically change right away, nor should they. Oppenheimer furthers this point by saying that computers will never take the place of teachers and classrooms in the traditional sense as some people have claimed over the years. They also agree that technology must be used in a responsible and planned manner in order to be effective when used in instruction. For example, Tech Tonic states that technological literacy does not only mean being competent in using machines but it also refers to teachers and students being creative, critical and ethically responsible when it comes to using technology. Oppenheimer talks about how technology will not be effective if teachers are not trained properly in how, why, and when they should incorporate technology into their instruction. Furthermore, the NET-S goals demonstrate incorporating technology into the classroom in an ideal manner.
All in all, I believe all three texts would agree that in order for technology to be truly effective in education technological practices must be used in meaningful ways. They must not take the place of the teacher or instruction but must act as a supplemental tool that each teacher is trained in using appropriately. As technology will inevitably be a part of students’ lives, they must be taught to use it responsibly, critically and ethically (as the specific forms of technology will be forever changing), without losing out on face-to-face interactions and our “humanistic traditions”.
I agree that all three texts suggest technology must be used in meaningful ways. I liked what you said about technology being a supplemental tool and not taking the place of a teacher. "Humanistic traditions" also very important. I don't think many people think of this when it comes to technology.
ReplyDeleteI agree that all three of the texts touch on this issue of how to incorporate technology in appropriate and meaningful ways for students without loosing those necessary "everyday curriculum" lessons. It is so very important that as educators we create "tech-concious" students that are able to be successful in and outside of our classrooms. The NETS really help guide us as educators to attempt to do that, while Oppenheimer and Tech Tonic both address (for the most part) the cons in connection with technology in education, but also change our way of thinking about the "how" when teaching and using technology (a possible pro).
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you see common themes in the three readings. I think we all struggle, and will conntiue to struggle with ways to use the tools available to us in the most effective ways (there is still lively debate, and maybe even changing consensus, on how to use books, basal readers, newspapers, etc. in the classroom).
ReplyDeleteI like the word "meaningful" to describe goal in our technology use (whatever the technology is).
jd