Can there be too much technology?
In a society where smart phones are an extension of most peoples bodies, especially teenagers, and gaming consoles have replaced the experience of kids playing outside; when is it ever too much? As an educator I see more and more technology being incorporated into classroom instruction each day. I do agree that computers are our future and innovation is what is going to drive the next generation. My question to you is went is it too much? When is all the new gizmos and gadgets hurting our children in the educational world? Will replacing true human interaction have an negative impact on the growth of our children. I have witnessed the purchase of more and more remediation software that puts kids who are testing below grade level in front of a computer and playing games that are supposed to teach them to read or count at a higher level. Does it work? I am sure if you ask the company that sells the product they will come up with some type of data that shows the impact on student success. What is happening to the teacher or tutor that is having meaningful discussion and instruction with these students? What about the emotional relationship that truly is going to make the difference in weather that student "gets it" or not. I am torn by the replacement of human interaction with technological advances. I do believe strongly in using new technology to make instruction more engaging and meaningful, however at what cost. How can we continue to be innovative and still hold onto the foundation of true education with human interaction?
This is such an excellent point and I have also grappled with this myself. As a special educator, I have come to the conclusion, that particularly for our struggling students, computer adapted instruction does not fit the bill. Students who struggle, especially those with disabilities, need direct instruction provided by a teacher to keep them engaged, motivated, and accountable. When they are sitting at a computer, all too often I see them disengaged and clicking away, regardless of how "personalized" the company claims their product is. I feel there is no replacement for teacher-student interaction when trying to close the gap for a student who is struggling. I do agree that we are in an age where technology is booming and it certainly has its place in our classrooms, but I see it more beneficial as an aid or supplement to skills students already have mastered. Let them use technology to practice and enhance their skills, but not to teach them the skills they are lacking.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Great post! I have the same belief system as you--when is technology TOO much? Also, my concern is how much students are actually thinking. Anymore a child's, or even adults, first instinct when they don't know something is to reach for their phone and "google" it. I am guilty... However, we grew up in a time that was not ruled by the internet and we were taught how to critically think. My fear is that students do not actually get taught that anymore because computers can do it for them... Should regulations be put on how much technology is used? Are computers eventually going to replace teachers...? Technology truly is Pandora's box.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Bradley. You pose excellent questions that no one has the answer to. I believe we all feel that technology is a bit much right now. Being someone that is an advocate for physical activity, it is hard to see that technology is taking the place of running around outside. As a Reading Specialist, it is also difficult to see students in front of a computer for an "intervention," knowing that is not the intervention they need. I believe that technology can be a powerful tool but as wonderful as it is, it can be just as harmful.
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