Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Why Use Technology in Education?

     My how this topic trends often on various social media platforms!

     
   First, let’s start with a little opposition.

Shayla's Top Four (Not-Good-Enough) Reasons for Using Technology in Education:

1] Because “it’s cool and the popular kids teachers are using it.”
2] Because someone insists.
3] Because “it’s there.”
4] Just to use technology in education

     Now, let’s list:

Four Really Good Reasons Why We Should Use Technology in Education
1] Facilitate active engagement
2] Meet specific and varying learning needs
3] Facilitate collaborative problem solving
4] Provide authentic learning environments

     Then, let’s make this often misunderstood point:
Teachers sharing their content via technology does not constitute technology integration, but teachers’ interactive use of technology “to improve learning, productivity, and performance” does.

     Remaining points:

Computer use and the Internet add new values to the educational situation by increasing technological literacy and fostering 21st century skills.

     Should we avoid dependence on computers in our educational system? Have we avoided dependence in our careers and everyday lives? I have not. Suffice to say, I am not alone. Fortunately, not every lesson, nor assignment, requires the use of technology. Therefore, to do so would be overkill. Avoidance is not the answer. Balance is key.

     Is there an end-point to the usefulness of emerging technology? Innovation knows no limits; Seems to be no end in sight.

     What fears or uncertainties do you have? Hmm…back to too much dependency on technology, maybe? Ha! Enough to avoid it? For me the answer is "No way!" I am having the ‘techie’ time of my life! 

     How about you?

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