Technology

Two interesting things that seem to bolster my views on technology occurred yesterday. Now, before starting, I love my computer, the Internet, etc., but....

Why is it that those outside of education think that technology in education is "progress?" Of course, administrators tout technology, any technology, in schools, as improvements. It certainly isn't and I can provide many instances/examples. Finally, in yesterday's newspaper, a letter-to-the-editor writer expressed such a sentiment, not in so many words. Mention the word "technology" to school personnel and immediately it's "no thinking required," adopt it. That it doesn't work, duplicates effort, actually wastes time, and/or is not at all conducive to quality education/learning/results is rarely considered. Yet more evidence that those who make the decisions in education are those who shouldn't be allowed to make them.

I had an interesting conversation last evening with a guy who echoed those remarks, not in the field of education, but they translate nicely to it. It's as if technology has brainwashed the decision-makers. They rush to buy technology, which often isn't in the best interests of learning, then are stuck with it because to admit failure would, one, admit their own mistakes and, two, admit they wasted yet more money. Remember, it is always, always "for the kids." This guy's stories in another line of business reinforce the errors with technology in the schools.

And, of course, who is going to listen to anyone who says we have too much technology in the schools? That it is wasteful, both in terms of learning and finances? That it is, contrary to what seems to be obvious, but really isn't, not "progress?"

Just one man's lonely opinions.....