Time for a paradigm shift?

Okay - so I'm not sure who will read this so here is some background. I just read two articles for a graduate class I am taking at Western Michigan University. The class is looking at educational technology and the articles were kind of a for and against technology in education forum. You should probably know that I am notorious for seeing both sides of a story and sometimes have difficulty picking sides for that reason. I think there's always some merit in an opinion or philosophy if it has been studied and communicated effectively. That being said, I think I am on the side of using technology as much as possible at this particular moment. Following is a breakdown of the articles and my thoughts on each.

Article one:

Of Luddites, Learning, and Life, Neil Postman

In general this article is skeptical and cautious about embracing technology in education. The author is very careful to pose the question "What is the problem to which _______ is the answer?" A very good question to ask. Too often we simply accept something just because and expert somewhere says it's so or because a celebrity or authority figure has endorsed it. It can never hurt to look at a problem or situation and question it. My position? Agree on the concept and endorse checking out the "problems" in education.

A second point that stands out to me is the author's assertion that a primary function of education is to teach children how to behave in groups. I think this ends up being the primary function – but probably shouldn’t be. This should be an outcome maybe of participating in schooling. If you have ever been around someone who doesn’t value education/knowledge, you will understand. There is basic information, skills, and tasks that we all need such as reading…these are the things that can also be supplemented by technology. Different ways to teach and learn, creative ideas, alternatives for students. Not to mention the fact that most students these days are drawn to technology anyway. Motivation then plays a part in the education. My position? Education should be valued for everyone and not just as a social behavior system. Knowledge is important whether we like to admit it or not.

 The final point that caught my attention here was that we are suffering from an information glut. My position? Agree wholeheartedly! Oh, and school is way to competitive, too stressful, and many kids fall between the cracks. Schools do the best they can but the needs are to varied and too many. Again, technology could be a help here by providing the options some students may need. Eventually however, we each need to make the decision about what’s important to us. Whether we utilize technology wisely or let it run our lives is up to us. This is a problem people have always faced I think – in this age it is just packaged as technology.

  

Beyond Technology Integration: The Case for Technology Transformation

Reigeluth and Joseph

A second article, much more pro technology and emphasizing the paradigm shift from "sorting" and categorizing students to a system that seems more student centered and individualized. The author talks about “…the ways technology can transform the way we teach" as opposed to supporting what is already done in the classroom.

Change is inevitable as is technology. I think much of the resistance to technology comes from the rate of change that we need to undergo in order to participate with technology. I am all about high tech gadgets BUT they are not second nature to me by any means. When I get a new phone or computer or even an update to a new system (Windows 11 for example) there is still a huge learning curve for me, even though I have been using the basic technology for years. I like this article because it challenges the current system and encourages thinking beyond what works right now to what will work better. It is however, a big paradigm shift and an idealistic idea that needs much development to be practical. Just the thought of a teacher having to teach several different concepts to several students at the same time is overwhelming. Kind of makes me think of what a one room school house might have been like with all ages attending at the same time…maybe there really is nothing new under the sun!

Obviously people are talking about technology, people are using technology, and people are avoiding technology. In my circle of life I know tech savvy people, "I use it because I have to" people, "I'm going to figure this out if it's the last thing I do" people, and people who don't have a computer at home. My parents don't have a cell phone and won't talk to me on my phone if I'm driving - even though I have the cool sync feature in my car so I can talk hands free. Bottom line for me is the change is coming. I hope the change agents can find a way to bring as many along as possible so the transition can be made to the benefit of education.