This post is to continue the conversation about uses of technology in the classroom that I started a little over a month ago and, now, have had the chance to offer to my colleagues and students:The questions related to technology, especially as it relates to education and teaching, should be "WHAT do we want to accomplish?" , not "how do we want to do it?" The former will be the guide for the latter. However, schools often get caught in the mire of buying "cool" new toys that look fun or engaging, without the the guidance of the purpose in mind.
SO, what do we want to accomplish with technology? That is my question for my fellow educators. Of course, I have my own thoughts. It may be easier to start with what we shouldn't be doing:
1. We shouldn't be using technology as a replacement for more reliable technology - for example, using computers to write notes would be a replacement use. The pencil and paper has a much lower fail rate than computers.
2. Technology shouldn't be used to just pacify or to isolate. The grand part of technology is the ability to share ideas and communicate at a quicker and more efficient rate AND with a broader audience.
SO, What would YOU like to accomplish? What would you like your students to be doing?
Here are some links to a school that has been touted as a national model for technology integration. Mooresville (not Indiana), North Carolina has developed a K-12 model for 1:1 and technology curriculum education:
READ: PBS NEWSHOUR - Mooresville, NC
READ: NY Times - Mooresville, NC
