I cannot agree

As of yet, I cannot agree.

As of yet, I cannot agree with the Technology Enthusiasts’ Argument that our current approach to education needs to be completely and digitally revamped.  As I read, I found what I believed to be many inconsistencies in the argument to teach electronically.

I do agree that the work world is changing.  All businesses no matter the field have been computerized.  Companies keep track of inventory by use of a computer.  Ordering of supplies is done online.  Communication with customers is done through email and I suppose now also Twitter.  Today’s students who are tomorrow’s employees need to be comfortable using a computer.  They need to have background knowledge of word processing and graphics programs as well as programs that deal with numbers such as spreadsheets and bookkeeping programs.  Heck, even the servers at Applebee’s use a computer to give your drink order to the bar, your dinner order to the kitchen and print your receipt and calculate your change.

As of yet, I cannot agree that all constructive or productive learning needs to be done electronically.  In fact, some of the examples given in the book are not that innovative.  A number of times throughout my teacher education path, I have been told do not “drill and skill” – “drill and skill” is evil.  Yet, if the drill and skill is done on the computer instead of by hand (worksheets or homework) then, it becomes this new innovative way of teaching.  The example given in the book was the math practice game, Math Blasters.  How is that computer math game anymore interactive or engaging than a group of students playing Math Bingo or Shark Subtraction Dominos?  In fact, I believe the face-to-face games to be more engaging because if a student makes a mistake, there are several potential peer tutors ready correct and explain when a mistake is made.  This also provides reinforcement of a concept for the student who tutors.

The next idea that frustrated me was the idea of “just in time learning.”  I can agree that if there is something I need to know, the Internet is one place that I can go to find the information quickly.  The ability to ask the right questions is an excellent skill to hone.  However, the problem that I foresee with “just in time learning” is that without background information, the student may not know what to ask.  I can see that “just in time learning” could frustrate the student as well.  If he wants to build a model rocket, he can use a Google search to find some plans.  But, if the plans use a more complicated math application which the student does not understand, then he needs to work backwards.  Before building the rocket, he must first figure out the math.  That may involve another one or two Google searches.  If he spends time working backwards to his level of comprehension to find his starting point, then he may become frustrated and abandon the entire project without ever building the rocket.  Computers can grant immediate satisfaction to a general curiosity, but can they help to understand higher order thinking?  Teachers can set an end goal of “build a rocket” and then guide the student step by step through the background knowledge that will be applied to the project.  Flesh and blood teacher will teach the concepts, check for understand and evaluate the progress all while encouraging the student to keep focused on the end result of a model rocket. I just don’t think that finding some information through a search can encourage students the same way a smile and kind words from a caring teacher can encourage them.

I believe that students look to the teacher to be the expert in the classroom.  If the teacher defers to a computer, I could see the students losing respect for the teacher.  Why should they give their attention to a teacher who does not teach them anything?  I believe that technologies should be incorporated into the classroom as teaching tools but not as the main source for learning.  Kids want to be taught.  They do not want to be facilitated.