Why technology alone won't fix schools

an unexpected reading and reflection task 

I stumbled across this reading last week and thought it may explore what technology needs to be successfully embedded in schools – after all I do agree with the title “Why technology alone won’t fix schools”.

As I read though I realised it had some challenging perspectives contained in it – and important considerations for people working in iLearning/technology fields to consider.  The data is American based however the messages can be reflected on in like countries.

Please find the link below – both the original and my Diigo annotated version for those keen to read my thoughts and musings.

http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/06/why-technology-alone-wont-fix-schools/394727/

https://diigo.com/07xkzv

2 points that particularly resonated included:

Technology at school may level the playing field of access, but a level field does nothing to improve the skill of the players, which is the whole point of education.

We need to look at skilling the players – which at times will include staff, students and community members if we want the use of technology to be amplifying education and improving outcomes.

 Technology’s primary effect is to amplify human forces, so in education, technologies amplify whatever pedagogical capacity is already there.

Good teaching and learning needs to be at the centre of what we do. Then and only then can technology be used to greatest effect as one tool to enhance student learning outcomes. We have an obligation to our future workforce to prepare them for what lies ahead as best we can, to support them as adults to navigate the distractions and use of new emerging technologies just as we would prepare our learners to function in society.  Digital realities and skills are part of this. What this comment and piece neglects to discuss is the capacity for technology to be used to engage and enhance learners potential when adult guidance combined with student choice, growth options, reflections etc is at the fore front of using technology.