Before we get into the nature of technology, I think it’s important that we first define what a technology is. A technology can be divided into two different categories, technology as an artifact (computer) or technology as a creation process (engineering). More often than not we forget that technology refers to more than just digital technologies like computers and cell phones but includes textbooks, whiteboards, and scissors as well. Keep that in mind as you continue reading.
Understanding the nature of technology (NOT), as teachers we can more carefully “structure technology use in the classroom and decide when technology use might interfere with learning” (Kruse, 2013). In future classrooms, it is going to be super important to consider the tradeoffs associated with technology use. Are we promoting learning or impeding it? However, there is really no best way to integrate technology into teaching, so “integration efforts should be creatively designed or structured for particular subject matter ideas in specific classroom contexts (Koehler & Mishra). Technology can not be applied in a one size fits all approach, the teacher must consider the content, pedagogy, and technology to determine what technology is to be used and how to use it. To do so, they must be technologically literate and understand how to use and manage technology to create and access information. They must know that technology is not neutral nor unbiased so it will come with tradeoffs and limitations and we must understand how society shapes technology and how in turn, technology shapes society. In Alone Together, Sherry Turkle says that “…we think about how new, more efficient technologies might help dig us out. But new devices encourage even-greater volume and velocity (280).” There are constantly new technologies coming out because we are demanding them and always trying to get more. What we must make sure we realize, is we, as people or as teachers, can make a technology be more or less than what it is by the way we use it, both inside the classroom and out.
Students need to understand the NOT as well so technology doesn’t control them but rather they control the technology. It important for students to know that technology can affect the way we feel so it must be used appropriately and in moderation. In my future elementary classes, I am sure I will be using many technologies to support all of my lessons. I know I will be doing lots of small group and large group activities that will allow for a lot of classroom collaboration. It is very important that I pick technologies that help discussion, and do not isolate kids to constructing information individually. I think learning together is a great tool. Teaching students to understand the importance of technology and that the effectiveness comes from how it is used will be very important. With digital technology such as iPads and cellphones on the rise in younger students, it will be important to teach them online safety and address cyberbullying. Showing students the evolution of technology will be important to show them how it has advanced society in certain ways, but also set it back in others. They will need to understand that the technology user has the control in if it is used effectively or not. I am also aware that since it’s becoming so prevalent in youth, they find social media likes and followers so important and the value around having that can mean popularity or more friends. Turkle says, “we settle for the inanimate, if that’s what it takes (281).” It will be crucial to show students how meaningful and relationship based group discussions are in class so they aren’t settling for extrinsic rewards on dashboards and missing out on the rewards of learning and life. My students will know that the technology can not test things such as heart or passion, it doesn’t show someone who has overcome their fears, or achieved their goal. They will know that with teacher support, individual work, and classroom collaboration, they did the work with the support of the technology not because of the technology. Teaching students about the NOT at a young age will allow them to continue building on that to develop a deeper understanding as they navigate through schooling.
Standard 8: Uses educational technology to engage students in collaborative knowledge construction.
Whose heard of Osmo?!? Well let me tell you. It is a great online technology for students K-6. Osmo covers various subject areas and is compatible on an iPad, phone, or the internet. Osmo goes off the 4 C’s. Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. Students will play together that will help aid in their social emotional skills while they are discovering things together. Students will be able to talk about the challenges of each activity together and naturally learn about each other’s strength and weaknesses and help with leadership skills. Students are able to express themselves using real word things in game play in order to find unique answers together. Osmo is a hands on problem solving game that students can work on with many different content areas: Reading, STEM, handwriting, geography.. you name it Osmo has probably got it.
There are different bundle options to purchase Osmos, but once you have Osmo it is easy to set up and teach students about.
Where should we start?
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