The Technology Spectrum

I feel that I should start by saying that I feel both articles are a bit extreme in their attempt to answer the question of, “What role does technology have in the classroom?”  One author left me frustrated with their views, while the other left me frustrated with the entire educational system that is currently in place.

Throughout my teaching career I was constantly asked how I was addressing the multiple learning styles and abilities of my students.  It was often difficult to challenge my advanced students as well as facilitate the learning of my struggling students inside the same classroom.  Luckily, I was aware that I could customize my lessons to provide my students with choices that would create ownership, accountability and buy-in.  This form of education wasn’t always made available for students.  The Reigeluth & Joseph article reminds us that the educational process was once one of conformity, compliance and standardization.  I feel as though the Postman article is against the type of progressive thinking that makes it possible for teachers to adjust their approaches to accommodate a changing world. 

Postman claims that technology is merely a form of getting information to students. I feel that this is incorrect.  Technology gives educators a choice in how this information is presented to students.  By now, everyone should understand that no two students are the same.  The multiple learning styles that exist in today’s classrooms are being addressed more effectively than before thanks to modern technology.  I’m sure Postman believes that a teacher telling a student how a ribosome plays a part in protein synthesis would be sufficient; however, I guarantee that presenting a lesson that includes CGI to 6^th graders would help the information stick a lot better.  He claims that he doesn’t use a computer for his pieces, but rather prefers to use a pen and yellow pad.  If people shared his views on technology 100 years ago, his pen would be a lot different (and I Googled that).

As for the Reigeluth & Joseph article, I feel as though they are placing too much responsibility on technology alone.  Don’t get me wrong, I agree with the educational model where a student learns at their own pace using methods that have been proven to work with their learning styles, but I do not agree that the educator should be reduced to a “coach.”  The use of technology in the classroom makes it possible for students to learn the same lessons in different ways; however an educator is needed to help tie those lessons together.  I feel that out of the two articles this one is on the right track.  We are living in a changing world that is driven by technology and the sooner we embrace it, the better off we will be.  Tools such as tablets, smart boards, computers, and the internet do have a place in the classroom, but we shouldn’t allow it to become the classroom.

My take-away from these two articles is that there has to be a middle ground somewhere that works.  The current “American” educational model that is in place is failing our students.  Both authors make an attempt at coming up with a solution, but I feel as though they missed.