Rethinking Technology Chapter 3

The Technology Skeptics’ Argument

Technology is constantly changing and will continue to find its way into schools no matter what, especially since it can be such a useful tool the main thing that is holding it back from being in the classroom is how expensive it is and getting older teachers to change their teaching styles. In the beginning of the chapter it gave quotes from over time that now, in today’s world, seem completely bogus. It’s just proof that technology will eventually find its way into the schools and become a main stay for teachers.

 In the eyes of the skeptic, technology is something that will not find its place in the classroom and they believe it to be a distraction. They also have concerns with the increase use of computers in schools because they are afraid of it taking away from the respect and authority of teachers, their credibility and how the classroom is manage. They also argue that technology can not teach some of the basic everyday skills and values that we learn especially in the younger grades. However, technology is already finding its way into schools and will continue to become a large part of how children learn.

New technologies can benefit students because the can be adapted easily to teach on a more personalized level that can focus on each students needs. It also gives immediate feedback to children while learning which is essential to learning. Probably one of the most effective uses of technology is that is supports the more hands on learning style and can be highly interactive. Computers and new technologies can be a very useful tool if used correctly in the classroom and as long as we monitor how it is being used in the classroom I think that it can improve the quality of student’s education. As a teacher such simple things as just walking around the classroom can ensure that students are using computers for instance in an appropriate manor. An interesting quote that I found in the chapter is, “Schools fosters just-in-case learning while technology fosters just-in-time learning. In today’s world where we expect our students to learn so much more and new information in comparison to previous generations, technology is essential to know how to use as a learning tool because we as teachers can not possibly teach our students everything.