Advancing Technology and Subsequent Shifts in Education

A report by Matt Duczeminski

E-learning and Digital Cultures

https://class.coursera.org/edc-001/class/index

Advancing Technology

Pros and Cons

Since the dawn of man, humans have utilized tools to improve their lives. For the first time, the advances being made today make it possible for information to be shared across the globe within seconds. However, if utilized incorrectly, the tools that make learning easy may actually be detrimental to education, and learning in general.

“We are seeing more and more [instructors] make use of video and audio within their environments, but using it to just add some flash does not make it award-winning content or instructionally sound by design." -Reggie Smith, president of the United States Distance Learning Association

In this advertisement for Corning, Inc., it showcases the possibilities for future technology, and how it will affect our daily lives. While admittedly impressive, many of the "programs" shown have a "real life" counterpoint that really does not necessitate any technological advances (Ex: What's wrong with teaching kids to mix colors using actual paint?). Educators should take note: When the "real thing" is as accessible (or more so) than a fancy computer program, the real thing should always take precedence.

Pros

• Limitless information at the click of a button, at all times
• Information supplemented by multiple sources and media
• Augmented reality mimics and intensifies real life
• All moments become "teachable moments."

Cons

• Instant gratification reduces learning to a novelty
• Importance of learning decreased when everything that needs to be known is just a click away
• Lack of authentic, visceral experiences

The Verdict

"A computer can inundate a child with mountains of information. However, all of this learning takes place the same way: through abstract symbols, decontextualized and cast on a two-dimensional screen. Contrast that with the way children come to know a tree–by peeling its bark, climbing its branches, sitting under its shade, jumping into its piled-up leaves. Just as important, these firsthand experiences are enveloped by feelings and associations–muscles being used, sun warming the skin, blossoms scenting the air. The computer cannot even approximate any of this." --Lowell Monke, The Human Touch

If used correctly, technology can be an incredible boon for the educational field. Being able to find the exact piece of information one needs within seconds can unleash a child's true productive potential. However, an over-emphasis on using technology in the classroom may have adverse effects. If not moderate in our reliance on technology, we may inadvertently create (or may have already created) a generation of students who are unable to focus for longer than 30 seconds at a time, are incapable of foresight (and therefore cannot set goals), and who value virtual experiences to the real thing. No matter how great our technological advances become, students will always need a more experienced person to guide them through correct usage of these tools. The role of the teacher may change, but their necessity will not.

Ubiquitous Teaching and Learning Opportunities

For Students

• "Flipped Classrooms": Many teachers are now opting to have students watch a lecture/read a chapter/etc. for homework, and then practice the skills in class, leading to more individualized learning. http://www.knewton.com/flipped-classroom/

• Phones and iPods should no longer be a "no-no" in many schools. Students need to be taught how to use these amazing tools to their educational advantage, rather than simply to text and play Angry Birds.

For Teachers

• Professional development can occur at any given time. The Internet offers a vast amount of resources for sharing lessons and receiving feedback; the opportunities to improve are limitless.

• Communication between colleagues, students, parents, administrators, etc., can be frequent and spontaneous, to share both positive and negative daily events.

• Publishing blogs with videos and pictures is a great way to involve students in responsible use of Internet technology.

Realities of Technology

What is it? How do we use it?

"Technology" is defined as "The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes." Taken literally, any object used by a human to his advantage can be considered technology. However, the manner in which this tool is used relies solely on the human controlling it. Just as Kindergarten students are taught to use a pencil correctly, obeying conventions such as writing appropriately, never writing on anything but paper, etc., students also need to be taught responsible use of technology. A machine capable of displaying the entirety of recorded history is useless if all one does with it is play games and watch cartoons.

Accepting Technology as Educators

Educators need to embrace the apparent onslaught of technology rather than resist it. However, this is not to say that they should accept everything that is thrown their way. Teachers need to be as tech-savvy as their students (even more so), and need to use technology with a skeptical eye; bringing technology into the classroom without knowing its true uses would be a pointless endeavor, and could actually be counterproductive. Teachers need to know the difference between a useful tool and an extraneous addition.

10 Tips for

Using Technology in the Classroom

Advancing Technology and

Subsequent Shifts in Education

"A Day Made of Glass 2: Same Day. Expanded Corning Vision." Youtube.com. 18 Feb 2013./www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkHpNnXLB0

Kolowich, Steve. "The Human Element." Inside Higher Ed.. 29 3 2010: n. page. Web. 18 Feb. 2013. <http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/03/29/lms>.

Monke, Lowell . "The Human Touch." Education Next. 4.4 (2004): n. page. Web. 18 Feb. 2013. <http://educationnext.org/thehumantouch/>.

"Top ten tips for using technology in the classroom." Youtube.com. 18 Feb 2013.

/www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiisteObuhk

#EDMOOC

Citations

"A computer can inundate a child with mountains of information. However, all of this learning takes place the same way: through abstract symbols, decontextualized and cast on a two-dimensional screen. Contrast that with the way children come to know a tree–by peeling its bark, climbing its branches, sitting under its shade, jumping into its piled-up leaves. Just as important, these firsthand experiences are enveloped by feelings and associations–muscles being used, sun warming the skin, blossoms scenting the air. The computer cannot even approximate any of this." --Lowell Monke, The Human Touch