After reading Postman and the other assigned readings this week I feel that the following false gods exist:
- The use of technology has the ability to transform the learner into a motivated enthusiastic learner.
- Learners will use technology to their best advantage.
- Technology by itself has the ability to create effective learning environments.
- Virtual worlds benefit students over real world experiences.
Transforming the Learner
Postman discusses Eva, John and Mary as examples of learners and points out that there are numerous distractions that will interfere with the motivation to learn. Technology does not have the capability to control, eliminate or treat these distractions and therefore will not cure many of the problems that currently exist in education. Technology however does have the ability to be utilized in a manner that would make learning more interesting. This involves the skill of the instructor who integrates the technology into the learning environment.
Learners will use technology effectively
Many learners today have access to a wide variety of technologies and are skilled in using them for social and leisure pursuits. However this skill does not translate into using technology effectively for educational purposes. To use an example from my experience in teaching undergraduates-students can search for and find amusing video to post on FaceBook but are digitally illiterate when it comes to finding reliable internet references. It is my guess that they are willing to spend hours finding the funniest video to amuse their friends but are not motivated to spend the time to look for and analyze the best digital sources for research purposes. Perhaps this is the nature of humans regarding many technologies. For example would the average undergraduate prefer to spend time watching reality TV or educational programming? I think we all know the answer to that question.
Technology utilization creates effective learning environments
Instructors create or fail to create effective learning environments. They decide how technology will be utilized. The presence of technology will have no impact on the learning environment unless the instructor or designer of instruction has the skills necessary to incorporate it effectively. Both the Judson article and the Albirini article point out that the presence of technology has not had a great effect on changing learning environments for a variety of reasons. Judson states “Teachers say they conduct student-centered classrooms; observation of the practice of integrating technology differs from this view. Professional development must be specific to the goal of integratin technology in the constructivist manner”(para. 29). Teachers cannot be expected to create effective learning environment simply by having computers available in their classrooms. Even their attitudes about effective teaching styles do not seem to translate to effective technology use according to Judson.
Virtual is better than real
This truly is a pet peeve of mine related to technology usage so I thoroughly enjoyed this quote in the Talbott article:
Angell then asked exactly the right question: “I wonder how many armchair nature-watchers have seen these dangerous snakes on the tube and said `this is the best day of my life.’” And he concluded: “Better one rattlesnake in the trail than a whole menagerie of gorillas, lions, and elephants on the screen.”
Technology has the ability to simulate many things and as a result is a very powerful tool. I strongly advocate this use of technology. In the field of medical education for example it offers great opportunities to mimic patient care situations. However it is my hope that educators never lose sight of the importance of real life experiences for both children and adult learners. I am also concerned that as we delve more and more into learning with technology we will be overwhelmed with learner to machine interaction and perhaps minimize person to person interaction.
What are the remedies to these concerns?
We must continue to address the problems that interfere with learner motivation and interest whether they are social or psychological. Educators must provide students with tools and incentives to effectively utilize technology. They must therefore be trained in the effective integration of technology into learning environments. There must be a balance between virtual and real worlds. Teaching with technology should never deemphasize the importance of human to human interaction. How do we accomplish all of this? Frankly I am not certain but posing the questions is always the best way to begin!
