Teachers have many decisions to make as they prepare a lesson or unit. Technology is not a silver bullet. Quality interaction, consistent ongoing formative assessment and engaging, learning students are a higher priority than latest technology. If those goals can be met with the latest technology, then by-all-means, use it.

We live in a technology-based world, so using technology should be second nature. However, just because something CAN be done, it need not necessarily BE done. Learning should involve interaction and collaboration. If technology enhances that, then go for it. If, on the other hand, a quiet face-to-face discussion is called for, it is much better to interact in person. Social skills are sharpened by body language, unlike online discussions which sharpen critical thought.

Technology for the sake of tech is wrong, and does a dis-service to the times when it's valuable. Training, integration, planning and collaboration makes technology work- not it's existence.

The question of; Is technology-based lesson alway's best? is the wrong question to ask. Does it support the objective, goals and student learning?

It is up to the teacher to decide what those goals are. Technology should play a prominent role in learning, when it's appropriate.

At one point 8 years ago, our school was considered top of the line. Now with no new equipment, and no district tech to work on the old computers, technology is a joke. Our district thinks everything is fine, but they don't visit classrooms to experience otherwise. There is no use using the latest technology unless there is enough working equipment for student follow through.

The most important variable in learning is the relationship between student and teacher. Yes, technology grabs students' attention and helps them learn, but that's not enough without that trusted adult. For a variety of reasons, including economic and social pressures for material things, parents have less and less time for their children. Today's parents were the first generation of latchkey children. Many of of these parents grew up without adequate models for parenting. Teachers take up the emotional slack in children's lives and provide leadership in values, character development, citizenship and academics. Technology can't do what teachers do best, care deeply about all aspects of students and foster their growth over time.

While we want to consider which technology works best with a particular lesson, students are living in a digital renaissance. Being able to adapt to new technology is a skill they will need to learn. We should have some core software that is emphasized frequently, like Word or VoiceThread, so that students become skilled with it. But we should also occasionally choose to work with something just because it is new.

The question is: Should tech be used to facilitate learning as well as other modes of teaching? YES!!! Children learn in different ways. Some students think of technology as another way to express themselves.

I've seen successful lessons with lots of technology integration and successful lessons without any technology integration. And vice versa: I've seen unsuccessful lessons with lots of technology integration and unsuccessful lessons without any technology integration.

The bottom line is: is this a good lesson? Does it focus on important ideas/ concepts/ standards/ skills the students need? Is it age appropriate? Is there depth to the lesson - are critical thinking skills involved? A student can make a dazzling movie about what they have learned, but if it only contains rote facts that were memorized it is no different from an old-fashioned written report.

It should not be about the tools - it should be about the learning and collaboration that can happen with the tools.

Teachers should always use the latest tools to do...what? The answers are a bit biased, I think. Define "outdated." Are crayons outdated? Now that there are computer-based art programs available, do I stop having kids draw with crayons or pencils?

I want my students to learn using the latest technology, because they'll need that experience and knowledge in the job market. But technology just for the sake of technology is ridiculous. Should I dump all the books from the library, and insist we all use Kindles instead?

Well, I'm torn on this issue. I think every teacher should have to push themselves a little - not extreme, but a little. Just like I don't want some doctor saying to me, "Well this method has worked well so far, so I don't plan on trying any new methods. Bloodletting was good enough for my grandfather, so it's good enough for me." I would never see that Dr. again, if they didn't always seek to find new methods of treatment, etc. ON TOP of the tried and true stuff. If teachers don't incorporate tools that the outside world is using, then shame on them.