Discussion+2

In Todd Oppenheimer’s book “The Flickering Mind” he questions the role of technology in the classroom. He argues that expensive computers and devices do not necessarily correlate with more learning being achieved. His book was written in the early 2000’s, when the benefits of technology and the internet was clear, but no one really knew how to implement it. Funding was being given to schools to spend on the newest and best technology. Schools were thrilled to receive the funding, but the teachers were not properly trained at the time on how to actually use and incorporate the new computers into the curriculum. The result was no increase in classroom grades; often there was a decrease due to time being wasted using the technology. Oppenheimer was correct about one fundamental point. You can’t just throw technology at a problem and expect it to be corrected. Today School boards are more aware of this than ever, which explains why teachers are always being kept up to date about the latest technologies. I feel that the benefit of technology in the classroom is dependent on the teacher. Just like there are different learning styles, there are also different teaching styles. If I was to generalize I would say technology is a benefit in the classroom. Often it is better at collecting data and presenting material in an engaging and interesting way. But if a teacher has a Luddite tendency and is just using technology because they have to, I think this will be quite apparent to anyone in the classroom and the results will show this. It’s important to look at technology not as a solution, but a tool. Tools such as smartboards, document cameras and grade tracking software has saved me hours of time in the classroom. We can easily engage different learning styles in a unique way. But if I were to use the smartboard for the whole lesson, I feel like its novelty would wear out. Also, asking if technology is helpful in the classroom is too broad of a question, because technology comes in so many different forms. To make this even more complex, within these technologies there are various different kinds of software which can be used. When looking at the usefulness of technology, we must look at individual devices and software to determine its usefulness. I feel like teachers should use technology in the classroom, but they should have a choice about what to use. I would argue that if you don’t use the most advanced tools that we have for learning, then you are doing students a disservice. I understand the struggle. I have had countless experiences where my smartboard was not acting so smart, refusing to turn on. Files have disappeared from my computer, never to be found again. This is frustrating for anyone. However, the teacher’s main aim should be to enhance learning in all students. For every frustration I have had 10 other moments where technology enhanced learning. Using the touch feature of the smartboards to look at maps, interactive exercises or educational videos is indispensable. I was amazed by the efficiency of the way information can be conveyed in this way. This is not to say traditional tech-less teaching is ineffective, but that it can be more effective with technology. A teacher must have both the tools, and an optimism toward their benefit for them to work.