The answer to this question at first seems like a simple and straight forward one. Right off the bat, without thinking further about the question, the majority of us would say yes, use technology. Almost every home has a computer, every television provider (cable or satellite) has some form of internet browsing through there service that can be delivered to the television. Cellphones do more than just simply connect individual voices anywhere around the world. They too have become mini-computers, information available any time you need it, anywhere you want it.
I don’t want to debate how schools can keep up with the changing times when we don’t even know what will be available next month let alone the next five years. However, I would like to talk the use of technology in education. In Southeastern Pennsylvania, school districts in the counties outside of Philadelphia, are investigating the feasibility of going one to one. This means that each student at the school will have some level of technology on their person (i.e. laptop, tablet, etc.). Unfortunately, in 2009, the state legislature passed HB 363 which could possibly have caused more harm than good (Click on the link below).
In this law, it prohibits students attending Pennsylvania schools from using “cellphones and other electronic devices” that have recording capabilities both audio and video. Technically speaking, the school districts could be breaking the law if they distribute an “electronic device that can record pictures or sound. Rumors are that the iPad 2 will have a camera to record video, other tablets that are being introduced to the market will also have a camera (Xoom, Galaxy, etc). Even if the student does not use the camera, it is still part of the electronic device.
I believe that we are at a major crossroads with the explosion of technology that has hit the market within the past 5 years. Students are already comfortable with their use and we as educators need to be more flexible in learning how to use the tools and incorporate them in lessons. Teachers can create webquests that will enable students to search for information online. Students can share information and collaborate with one another on their discoveries. It doesn’t have to be a cumbersome issue, teachers can work within their comfort zone and learn just as much from the students as they are from them. With enough practice an repetition, even the strongest luddite will let their guard down.
Instead of this hardline stance, we can use this as an opportunity for everyone to develop social norms for the use of technology. Educators can educate children on cellphone etiquette. That even though you can use these items almost anywhere, there are still places where you should be more observant and aware of people’s reaction towards you. I know children can still distinguish right from wrong, and as long as we as teachers and educational leaders show them through example first, they will follow.
The bottom line is we need to be flexible in terms of the use of technology and how it can support student learning. Its incorporation cannot be haphazard, it needs to be thought out and carefully implemented. Feedback is necessary in order to fine tune the program to make it effective. This is going to require work on several levels in order to be successful, and we need to be alright with mistakes. We have to learn from our mistakes, and give our students the best possible education that they deserve.
