Is Technology Necessary?

In our discussions over the last few weeks, we have analyzed the concepts of technology integration and meaningful learning. As I listened to the Tech Buzz presentations and then learned about the different pedagogical approaches, I began to wonder about technology and its role in education. Obviously, I have to be all for it, it’s the bread and butter of my existence. But, does the technology facilitate learning – does it make learning happen more effectively? That is curious to me because as the Tech. Associate here, its my job to keep the equipment running, but I haven’t really had a chance to see teachers anywhere use it in a way that has made me say wow (except in one or two cases in the last year). We so often say that the reason why something in educational technology will work is because the kids like anything electronic. Is that true? I have had several students (boys as well as girls) that have been extremely technology phobic. We presume that the kids all come in to school in regards to technology on the reverse bell curve –that they will be enthusiastic about technology just because they are kids. But I have also seen some of the traditionally “anti” technology people – older teachers, approach technology with enthusiasm and an open mind, while some students have a hard time using the technology – so much that they need to be lead to it – worse, they decide they want nothing to do with “school” technology, but still use the iPod and the cell phone. I think using some of the pedagogical approaches may address some of these issues, but how do we make “educational tech” interesting and useful to students? Does this then require us to redefine what “technology literacy” in students really means? Is a student who can use a cell phone more “technology savvy” than a student who can use Word or is just less fearful or resistant to new technology? Just something to think about.