This week in my ETEC 533 class we are discussing the following questions:
What is a good use of technology in the math and science classroom? What would such a learning experience and environment look like? What would be some characteristics of what it is and what it isn’t?
With these questions in mind, bare with me as I explore what it means to deliver purposeful, technology-infused education.
Technology and science go hand in hand but implementing technology in a math or science classroom can be complicated. There are many aspects that are embody “good use†of technology and many pitfalls that educators often fall into.
In terms of implementing technology aspects like cost, access, ease of use and pedagogy must all be considered. Educational environments with poorly considered technological plans can sometimes experience expensive and time consuming complications. The nature of technology is fast-paced and ever-changing. As a result of this constant change technological decisions that lack foresight, organization and clear purpose often cost great sums of money with little educational advantages. For technology to be successfully used in the classroom those making the decisions must do so with extreme caution especially with long-term and potentially expensive initiatives.
First and foremost technology must serve a purpose in the educational setting. The key is to root the technology in sound pedagogical reasoning and have it serve a function in the classroom. In the end, technology should supplement and support traditional educational theories not supplant them. Technology in the classroom should be well rooted in the design and pedagogy of the course. Technology should not be “tacked-on†to a course; the course be built around technology. For example, if class websites or interactive notes are used in a fluid and thought-out manner than the potential for the technology to be distracting or appear separate from the lesson will be minimized. If teachers are able to use a mix of traditional methods and technological tools to support learning the best results will be achieved.Â
The level of technology in a classroom should also strive to meet the needs and capabilities of both the teacher and the class. The technology should fit the educational setting to be purposeful, if there is no benefit for teacher or student it should be ignored and better options pursued.
With purposeful, pedagogically sound technology that fits the classroom learning can really benefit and in the end it falls on us as educators to match the technology to the classroom as best we can.