TECH Does Not Have to be a 4 Letter Word

TECH does not have to be a 4 letter word and by tech I mean, of course, technology. There is so much back and forth about the value of technology in our world today and there are valid arguments on both sides- technology is both a blessing and a curse. As a mother of two sons, I worry about how much screen time is too much and whether or not playing video games will harm my children’s social-emotional skills. I worry when my children should be able to have a phone or when it is appropriate for them to enter the world of social media. On the other hand, I think that the access to information and ideas at their fingertips is incredible and the possibilities children have to use technology to express and create are indispensable. The world is an unimaginable place for kids who don’t have the experience beyond their daily routine but to be able to take virtual reality tours of castles in England, Skype with students in India, view works of art from any museum or share their very own map of Minecraft with all the other gamers out there is a pretty big positive for the use of technology. There certainly are pros and cons for using technology so…. To use or not to use, that is the question.

Every child and situation is different and so teachers and parents need to consider their unique situation but there are 3 things that we can do to help make technology and positive, supportive, and empowering tool for students. As a rule, we should always be thoughtful, intentional and knowledgeable when using technology. Technology shouldn’t (always) be used as a reward or as a substitution but instead as a tool to redefine their experience. Being knowledgeable doesn’t mean you have to be an expert in whatever it is you or the students are using but it does mean you need to do a little homework and be aware: What is the technology being used, what are the benefits and drawbacks, and try to anticipate how it could be misused or abused. When allowing students to use an iPad, digital camera, computer or some other type of tech, knowing why you are having them use it is essential. Being intentional about the use of technology will help students begin to look at technology as a tool instead of a toy. Choose the app, program or device with the project or need in mind so that the learning or play will be supported and extended by its use. The aforementioned qualities constitute thoughtfulness but I would also add reflection as part of this. As the adult, reflecting upon how the project went, how the technology enhanced (or detracted) from the learning and how it could be improved for the next time is important. As the student, reflecting on why they used the technology they did and how it changed the learning experience is helpful for both adults and students.

The bottom line is this: we can let technology be divisive, dangerous and breed disrespect or we can flip the script redefine the role of technology in our culture. No matter how we feel about it tech is here to stay as the way of the future. The earlier we help students realize that technology is a tool for creativity and innovation the more its positive and productive use will become habitual. Perhaps in the future humans wont have to have such a love-hate relationship with its own creation…. One can hope, right?

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