Technology Is A Tool
Technology is changing- radically, but the needs of education are consistent. Students today may seem different but their basic human needs have not changed. They still are, like we were at their age, intellectually curious, socially active, trendy, vulnerable, occasionally overconfident, worthy of our respect, and in need of guidance and positive role models.
So, I am all for those core technologies that drive Cheap and Simple ideas that reform the education process. We can use technology to deliver content, and students can use it to acquire content. That would be a start. But that would not be enough. We should do what has not been possible for the masses otherwise- as a tool for inquiring about the world in fascinating ways.
We can go for delivery, improve critical thinking and performance all with an eye towards immediate employability and long term growth. I envisage initially, only a few great ideas about tomorrow that can be initiated today. The system takes time to absorb radical changes.
Technology is a tool and a means to an end. Let us not make it the main focus!
I agree, it is so easy to make technology the focus of educational reform. It shouldn’t be the focus. We teach because there exist learners that need to learn. Curious minds that need to be guided and encouraged in their discovery of knowledge. That is our job, our mission. We must use the tools available to us (whatever they may be) to engage the learner and put that natural human curiosity to good use!
It is reported that six executives from Panasonic’s Japanese headquarters visited a school in UK to find out more about the use of technology. The school had been testing future Panasonic products in her classroom.
During the visit the staff at the school learnt that in Japan technology does not feature as part of school life or as a tool to aid pupils or teachers.
If there is more proof needed on the “chef not eating there own cooking”, here it is.