We have a full house in the office today. In fact, over 120 educators have convened here to collaborate around the topic of using iPads in the classroom. Obviously much of what is being discussed applies to other digital mobile devices too.
I must admit, I’m a skeptic by nature. I rarely get excited by the ‘cool’ factor of new ‘glitzy’ toys. Those who know me will attest to the fact that I’m usually not excited about a new piece of technology until I see how it can do one of two things–Either allow me to operate more efficiently or make it possible to do things that weren’t possible before.
I’m not a Luddite. Really I’m not. I get the potential for technology to enhance if not transform teaching and learning. I’d have to be blind not to recognize how ubiquitous technology is in the world. I know it’s here to stay, and there’s no doubt technology has been and will continue to transform all aspects of our world.
But when I think about how we’ve embraced technology in education, I have to wonder about the cost to benefit ratio. Too many examples of technology being used to ‘automate the past’ exist. The potential of many devices have been neutered by overzealous filtering and security lockdowns on the network.
So as I think about the introduction of technology such iPads in the classroom, I automatically ask, “Why? What is the anticipated impact? ” To be clear, I’m not asking for a metric to focus on equipment itself. In reality, the iPad is akin to pencil and paper. It is merely a tool not curriculum. I’m interested in knowing what has happened as a result of introducing iPads (or other similar digital devices). In other words……
**How has student learning been impacted?
**Are students more ‘engaged’ with learning?
**What are students doing now that they weren’t doing before?
**Are students demonstrating higher levels of understanding?
**Are students using the tools to do things that weren’t possible prior to the introduction of the resource?
**In what ways have instructional practices changed?
Deb,
You bring up lots of very good questions in your post. I am at the other side of the spectrum when it comes to technology in schools. When new technology comes out it is always exciting to see the new options it brings to the table. I agree, technology is here to stay. There is no denying that. Why are you skeptical about, then? The advantages of technology in schools could be tremendous. However, I believe we have not harnessed its power yet.
To answer some of your questions, students are extremely impacted by technology. Technology allows for more interconnectedness between both students with students, and students with teachers. Students also have much greater access to knowledge online than ever before. That is a tremendous asset. Instead of having to find a book there are plenty of resources on the internet for instant answers. Students today are able to handle more work than ever before due to technology. Instead of writing out an essay by hand a student can type it and look up information simultaneously. Students today can handle more work than ever before because there production level has gone up. This does not mean, however, that students have demonstrated a higher level of learning. This is the disappointing thing. Students are doing more work but are spending less time really paying attention to the material. Students are doing things that were not possible before. Especially in the later stages of education. New programs are available that allow students to learn in new ways.
I believe there is too much focus on the fact of increasing technology in schools. That is going to happen regardless. I believe the focus should be on finding the most advantageous way for teachers to incorporate technology in classrooms. The focus then is on the teachers and not on the technology.