While reading Todd Oppenheimer's The Flickering Mind, I felt surprised by the stance that technology is not the “miracle” many people think it is. This is a refreshing point of view because I find that many educators are adamant about technology being used as much as possible in the classroom. I agree with Oppenheimer that technology does not present a cure for the issues that are ailing the educational system. Oppenheimer expresses concern that students’ “ability to reason, to listen, to feel empathy, among other things, is quite literally flickering.” Both NETS-S and Tech Tonic also touch on the importance of developing students’ humanity.
Tech Tonic explains that the use of technology should reflect not what children can do, but what children need developmentally. Alliance for Childhood insists that children should not use tools that are too complex for them to understand how they work (like TVs, computers, etc.). They encourage more hands-on learning instead of the reliance on high-tech tools.
Although NETS-S has a more pro-technology stance than Tech Tonic and The Flickering Mind, the goals expressed are actually quite similar in all three, including the emphasis on understanding technology, thinking critically and creatively, and maintaining a sense of responsibility and awareness. Each expresses concerns about students maintaining their humanity, understanding of the world, and using technology in meaningful ways.
Tech Tonic explains that the use of technology should reflect not what children can do, but what children need developmentally. Alliance for Childhood insists that children should not use tools that are too complex for them to understand how they work (like TVs, computers, etc.). They encourage more hands-on learning instead of the reliance on high-tech tools.
Although NETS-S has a more pro-technology stance than Tech Tonic and The Flickering Mind, the goals expressed are actually quite similar in all three, including the emphasis on understanding technology, thinking critically and creatively, and maintaining a sense of responsibility and awareness. Each expresses concerns about students maintaining their humanity, understanding of the world, and using technology in meaningful ways.
I agree that the 2007 NETS-S standards share similarities with the other two readings. Tech Tonic criticizes the earlier NETS-S, but I think it came out before the new standards were issued. "Meaningful" is an important word in your post, and I think that that is what the 2007 NETS are pointing to.
ReplyDeleteGood summary.
jd