In my opinion, the common theme connecting Oppenheimer’s The Flickering Mind, Tech Tonic, and The NETS is balance. In the case of the three previously mentioned articles, balance refers to the ability to manage the integration of technology all the while ensuring that appropriateness, student growth, development, and overall well-being is in the forefront of learning. In The Flickering Mind, Oppenheimer discusses the multiple prophecies of America’s past concerning the future of education being centered around “motion picture-like” opportunities and then “bridging the digital divide” to “21st century learning.” Nevertheless, he stresses how with the more rampant appearance of various technologies in today’s schools, those prophecies of the past appear to be creating a problematic present. Technology is not being employed correctly in today’s schools, creating more of a divide between schools and students that are “haves” and “have nots,” and potentially taking the place of tried and true necessary learning experiences that have proven to be effective in any classroom. Tech Tonic takes a stand on the “why” and the “how” aspect of a balance between child development, learning, and technology. The text stresses that children are human first and have specific learning needs outside of technology. Technology should then be employed by a knowledgeable educator and connected to a child’s learning if the experience will “lead to the full development of a child’s human capacities.” Finally, The NETS soothe those that side with Oppenheimer, as well as the child-first thinkers of Tech Tonic, by offering educators more or less a guide by which technology can be integrated soundly into the curriculum. This information could and should be conveyed to students outside of technology first, via authentic learning opportunities within the classroom community. In turn, that exposure can then assist educators in connecting those experiences to technology and thus create a balance that is both meaningful and appropriate for student learning.
I also don't think technology is being employed correctly in today's schools. Many times it seems like computers are becoming babysitters and actual teaching has taken a backseat. I think it is important for the balance with technology that TECH TONIC states.
ReplyDeleteI like how you point out that the text states technology should be used as a tool to bring about the full development of the child’s capacities. While education in general has always been viewed as a tool to bring about a child’s full potential, it is only fitting that technology in the classroom should be used with the same goal. I completely agree with your idea of balance…great insight!
ReplyDeleteYes, I would have to definitely agree with you. Balance is very important when it comes to using technology in the classroom. As a teacher who is the classroom I feel we are expected to use technology everyday. And some of these technologies are very complicated to use and training is not efficient. One or two day training sessions are usually not sufficient amount of time. Schools need to be smart and invest in the continuing training with the technologies if they expect their teachers to integrate it into their lessons.
ReplyDeleteMe too. I think identifying balance as the key is important. And also to recognize that the balance will probably be different at different grade levels, as student capacity for critical thinking develops. Finding that balance is part of what makes a teacher a really good teacher. And per Maria's point, needing the time and space to develop the skills to artfully integrate technology, yes yes.
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