The post "Who Does Number 2 Work For" from a few weeks back left me with a lot of unanswered questions. One of those questions was "how much disruptive technology can you incorporate before you've gone too far, and lost the benefits of tried and true methods". While I don't yet (and may never truly) have an answer to that question, I have come across a perspective that often goes undiscussed during my technology 4 life rants.
My Mom recently forwarded me an OpEd piece from the Washington Post titled "A School Thats Too High On Gizmos". Written by English teacher Patrick Welsh, the piece looks at the plight of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia - a school which, according to Welsh, has started using technology for the sake of technology, to the point of detriment.
Though I still don't feel compelled to go out and hug an overhead projector, I do think this post helps to reinforce the idea that despite all the benefits, there is a need for balance when it comes to technology and education. As objective as I try to be, this blog tends to be pretty one sided. Technology is something I'm passionate about. And whats more, I firmly believe that it can not only enhance the educational experience for a great many students, but can create learning opportunities for students who might be left behind by more traditional educational environments.
But despite all that, there is such a thing as too much. Though it might not seem that way from my writing, not every lesson plan can be converted into a video game. Not every concept can be expressed with a social network. And even for a techno-junky like me, sometimes it just makes more sense to listen to a lecture or open up a book.
This blog tends to be written in the context of "why not". But as T.C. Williams High School has reminded us, it can be just as important to ask "why". At least every once and a while.
Comic from http://projects.cbe.ab.ca
My Mom recently forwarded me an OpEd piece from the Washington Post titled "A School Thats Too High On Gizmos". Written by English teacher Patrick Welsh, the piece looks at the plight of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia - a school which, according to Welsh, has started using technology for the sake of technology, to the point of detriment.
But despite all that, there is such a thing as too much. Though it might not seem that way from my writing, not every lesson plan can be converted into a video game. Not every concept can be expressed with a social network. And even for a techno-junky like me, sometimes it just makes more sense to listen to a lecture or open up a book.
This blog tends to be written in the context of "why not". But as T.C. Williams High School has reminded us, it can be just as important to ask "why". At least every once and a while.
Comic from http://projects.cbe.ab.ca
Leave a comment