Todd Oppenheimer's The Flickering Mind implores the misuse of technology in the classroom. Though I personally disagree with him for various reasons, I do believe his issues hold value, but those issues can be solved by the proper use of technology.
One main issue is the improper allocation of technology funding. I agree, so much money is put into the hardware and software aspect of technology without training the teachers to use the tools effectively. I believe the teachers need to be responsible to learn how to use the technology. If I didn't know how to use a calculator, I would teach myself how to use the functions necessary for my class.
Like a hammer to the carpenter, certain tools can aid in one's profession. If the carpenter's boss purchases a nail gun to replace the hammer, and increase productivity; it would be unfortunate if the boss did not give the carpenter directions or a crash course in "how to use a nail gun". The carpenter, being a professional in one's field, should use their prior knowledge and yearning for continuing education in their profession to learn how to use the new technology so they can be a better or more efficient carpenter.
The Alliance for Childhood's Tech Tonic is on the opposite side of the technology in the classroom spectrum in comparison to Oppenheimer's The Flickering Mind. I found much of the information in this section to be very straightforward, and a great rebuttal to Oppenheimer. The section that introduces the various flaws in technology reinforces the fact that technology is not a cornerstone in education, but a tool that needs to be manipulated properly to augment education.
I agree with your point about the importance of training for teachers, which is a big challenge. Teachers need the technical skills, but also a good understanding of where to fit the tool into the classroom, and then, since teaching is a performance art, opportunities to use it in front of a class to really master it.
ReplyDeleteThe analogy of the nail gun is interesting. It suggests though that education is a process of driving facts or concepts into student heads. And by analogy, new technologies will do it better than old ones. I think new technologies may be more effective in many cases, but as McLuhan has pointed, technology amplifies and amputates. A good teacher needs to recognize the trade-offs, and move accordingly.
jd