As I read through the articles, my blood instantly started to boil. How dare they question the importance of technology for today's students?!? Well, by the last article, I had checked the dates they were written and I had tried much harder to see the other side of things.There are some very valid points being made in these articles. Some. Do some districts spend an exorbitant amount of money on technology unnecessarily? Yes. Is too much money spent on getting the latest gadget? Sometimes. Are many teachers under utilizing or abusing technology? Without a doubt. But technology actually replacing vital subjects such as the arts and physical education is not my experience. This would be a travesty. The idea of computers as the new filmstrips gets my blood pressure rising again. Maybe that is the way that things started. It is not where they are going.
In a recent lecture at the TIES conference, Jim Norwood discussed the moral imperative he believes we have as educators to prepare our students with 21st century skills. He also discussed how difficult it can be to convince others they need to change their views and methods to accomplish this. He sang Bob Dylan's song, "The Times They are a Changin'." Listen to the lyrics and apply them to educational technology. I believe, as a change agent in my school, I need to prepare those who would "sink like a stone" to swim by changing their perception of technology. My reflection paper will focus on why I believe this.
Song and lyrics found at: http://www.bobdylan.com/#/songs/times-they-are-changin
Posts
