What's the best technology tool for students?
by Edutopia Staff
May 23, 2008
Credit: iStockphoto
The fact that about a third of respondents offered up "laptop" or "computer" as the best tool makes a lot of sense. A computer is, after all, the key device without which many ed-tech tools cease to function. Though one reader reminded us, "Technology works best when a variety of tools are integrated," the majority of single-item responses talked about student creativity and self-direction and Web 2.0.
What's best for students, readers said, is whatever helps them use their knowledge and create more of it. Today, that also means they should be able to learn anytime, anywhere.
In other words, it's not just a computer that students need, but as one respondent put it, "a very portable laptop." Another reader opted for a "PC with Internet access 24/7." And one respondent explained that useful technology is the kind that "enhances students' ability to acquire and demonstrate higher-order thinking skills." Several others offered the slightly more ironic suggestion that the best tool for students just might be "their brains."
What do you think? Weigh in on the results.
Links:
[1] http://www.edutopia.org/edutopia-staff
[2] http://www.edutopia.org/node/5512/results
[3] http://www.edutopia.org/readers-survey-2008
[4] http://www.edutopia.org/best-blog-educators-2008
[5] http://www.edutopia.org/best-educational-podcast-2008
[6] http://www.edutopia.org/best-virtual-field-trip-2008
[7] http://www.edutopia.org/best-site-download-free-lessons-2008
[8] http://www.edutopia.org/best-site-grant-information-2008
[9] http://www.edutopia.org/best-technology-product-less-100-2008
[10] http://www.edutopia.org/best-education-software-2008
[11] http://www.edutopia.org/amount-spend-classroom-supplies-2008
[12] http://www.edutopia.org/best-way-get-need-classroom-2008
[13] http://www.edutopia.org/best-public-advocate-education-role-model-2008
[14] http://www.edutopia.org/best-new-book-education-2008
[15] http://www.edutopia.org/top-concern-parents-2008
[16] http://www.edutopia.org/top-concern-teachers-2008
[17] http://www.edutopia.org/what-missing-degree-certification-program-2008
[18] http://www.edutopia.org/who-teach-class-day-2008
[19] http://www.edutopia.org/subject-should-be-taught-2008
[20] http://www.edutopia.org/new-teachers-burning-out-2008
[21] http://www.edutopia.org/best-way-find-inspiration-2008
[22] http://www.edutopia.org/best-way-create-educational-community-2008