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The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Ring
Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Teachers in the Alexandria, Virginia, school district say their schools suffer from the advanced stages of
Should teachers always use the latest tech tools, or does that approach result in technology overkill?
Yes. Educators must provide students with the latest technology available, and they should not fall back on outdated modes of teaching.
19% (26 votes)
No. Teachers should use technology only when it enhances a lesson, which is not always the case.
76% (102 votes)
None of the above. (Comment below.)
4% (6 votes)
Total votes: 134
Latest and greatest technology
Submitted by Lisa Smith (not verified) on June 27, 2008 - 11:51.
Technology should only enhance curriculum. The problem I see as a technology teacher, is that we are not training our teachers to integrate technology effectively. Technology becomes "just one more thing I have to do" (teacher comment) Adding each latest and greatest technological devise just heightens the already existng stress levels of most teachers. Teachers are already over-burdened with NCLB and meeting AYP. Technology is (in most classrooms I see) taking a back seat to standardized testing.
I am struggling to get teachers to conquer word processing, spreadsheets and file management. There is a willingness to learn, but time is always the issue.
Having the latest and greatest technological devises also requires money and tech support, which seems to be a problem in many schools...including mine.
Technology Overkill?
Submitted by Sandra Sanders (not verified) on June 26, 2008 - 22:38.
If all the nifty technology out there is used just because it's there, yes, we're overloaded. If it's used with intent and purpose and an integral part of lessons, no.
Probably not many of you remember when 'technology' meant a blackboard and different colors of chalk. I do. The students found it fun and paid more attention to the designs with colored chalk.
The tools that we have now enhance our teaching so much and improve the student's learning process. We as teachers just need to learn how to use them wisely. --Just because a new Principal is thrilled with SmartBoards doesn't mean you have to use them. On the other hand, why not learn how and use them if they're appropriate?
Sandra Sanders
Latest and greatest tech?
Submitted by Jeff in MIlwaukee (not verified) on April 16, 2008 - 14:49.
Plenty of "old" tech tools still work - word processing can be done on older computers using older software. Sometimes we need fast computers with new software but few teachers take advantage of the latest and greatest - they still use basic technology tools most of the time.
Technology use
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on April 11, 2008 - 22:40.
Yes, Educators should provide students with the latest technology. Both lecture and technology are very important to our students. The more they learn, the better their skills and experiences,the better prepare they are for college and employment.
Teach not Tech...
Submitted by Neil Winton (not verified) on March 26, 2008 - 02:56.
No matter what technology we are talking about, be it the latest iPhone or the humblest pencil, it still comes back to one thing: It is the teacher that makes the difference, not the technology. (As a friend of mine puts it, 'It's the Teach not the Tech!').
Lots of tools/toys/tech will not compensate for poor teaching.
Technology-based learning
Submitted by Shannon (not verified) on March 24, 2008 - 11:41.
I believe that technology based learning has opened doors, doors that may have remained closed, for some students. As educators, we know that there are different types of learning modalities. I would not be suprized if, say 5 years from now, we add "techno-learner" to the following list of modalities: sensory, perceptual, Cognitive Information Processing, personality type, personal talents or situational. Technology is the lead way into our future. We need to keep this in mind when we dicuss technology's roll in education.
Technology is a tool, not an educational goal
Submitted by Teddy Parvanova (not verified) on March 23, 2008 - 08:22.
Before answering this question we should first consider the meaning of technology in education. Technology is a tool for teachers to deliver knowledge and curriculum and a tool for students to acquire it in the best and most efficient way. Technology is incorporated into education not just for the sake of it or to make school and teachers look "cool", but to actually serve a purpose for improving efficiency and even motivation to learn.
I do not believe that providing the latest technology, a teacher can improve their teaching or their students' learning. It is physically impossible for anyone to follow all new tech trends let alone deliver them in a classroom. It takes away from the curriculum and has no direct implication to the efficiency of teaching or learning.
The case is different when a teacher is teaching a strictly technology class. Then yes, it is a good way to keep his/her students up to date with latest trends in the area.
Technology use
Submitted by A teacher of 35 years (not verified) on March 23, 2008 - 00:14.
It is the wise teacher who can determine the appropriate teaching method for the content and the students' needs. But, if they are going to use technology and many times it is the best tool available today, they must be fluent.....in its use.
Technology in the classroom
Submitted by kathryn (not verified) on March 21, 2008 - 08:36.
Important to remember that lead pencils are also technology - the best teaching/learning comes when akk get to participate in the engagement of minds no matter how arrived at - through electronic or manual means. Technology often delivers information not comprehension, learning, thinking - its the process, not the means and the result should be knowledge not just facts.
We as teachers should push
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on March 11, 2008 - 11:03.
We as teachers should push for a more diverse classroom setting but we should not forget our roots of our profession. Lecture is still an effective form of teaching.
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