A Penny for Your Thoughts...

I took one look at the cartoons below and couldn’t help but think how much technology has changed education! Have you ever questioned whether technology brings out the best or the worst in our students? I have heard ideas from both ends of the spectrum.

The Goods

Technology definitely has its wow factor! It has broken down walls and opened classrooms to new opportunities. For example, the Internet opens doors to an abundance of text and multimedia resources that can aid in research and further learning. Moreover, the Internet allows us to communicate with individuals all over the world. Not to mention tablet computers, laptops, and other devices that makes learning and teaching more accessible. Virtual reality, simulations, YouTube, Facebook, online tutorial, and interactive games and websites are just a few resources that instructors can use. Common pros of technology include:

·         Technology increases computer literacy

·         Technology promotes multi-tasking skills

·         Technology enhances learning

The Bads

Just as I have heard the good, I have also heard the bad. Some believe that technology hinders student learning. For example, my best friend teaches English and always mentions that spell check and Sparknotes are the enemy! She feels that students rely heavily on spell checkers, and technology makes it easy to cheat. I must admit, I am guilty of utilizing spell checkJ. Other prevalent cons include:

·         Technology decreases imagination

·         Technology can be a distraction (i.e. texting in class, moving a lesson off track, etc.)

·         Technology decreases human touch/interaction

Where I stand

Honestly, I can see both sides! I’ve seen instances where technology brings us together yet tears us apart. For example, as an online student I have lost the physical interaction and connection (to a degree) with my instructor and peers.  At the same time, I wouldn’t be able to write this very blog without technology! The pros and cons of technology in the classroom has been an ongoing debate.  I would love to read your thoughts!

We Can’t Let Convenience Win…

Hmm, what a question! First, let me begin by stating I am not an educator.  However, I work at a state college as a transition specialist. My job is to advise college students and help them progress through their degrees.  I’ve had ample opportunity to work with college educators, and I have seen the best and regrettably the worst. I think some teachers play on team convenience, while others play on team student. I am speaking from a college level point of view. So, it may be easy for some to say that adult learners are different. However, teaching values hold true at any level.

I would like to say that most teachers are invested in what’s best for their students. However, being invested and being able to actually implement new ideas and teaching methods are two different things. While most teachers would like to explore the latest technology and provide the best educational experience, hurdles exist! Factors such as limited time, training and resources coupled with high demands, make teaching extremely challenging. On the other hand, the individual teacher can be a barrier to his or her self.  Keeping an “if it aint broke, don’t fix it” attitude diminishes what is best for the student.

Today’s students are digital natives. They spend more time texting and social networking than anything. In this age, we use technology for nearly everything. So, keeping traditional teaching methods would be nearly insane. What worked for past generations won’t necessarily work now!

Ultimately, it would be wonderful if we could take an ounce of convenience and blend it with a large amount of what’s best for our students to create a delicious smoothie. Still, it is very easy to vote for convenience. The greatest that we fear is what we don’t know. To some change doesn’t make sense. However, I feel an educator should meet students where they are, and bridge them to where they need to be. If we are not meeting them where they are, then convenience has already won…