As educators in a society increasingly influenced by the digital world, it has become evident that at some point we will be forced to manage the use of technology in our classrooms. With the introduction of a province wide cell phone ban in classrooms earlier this year, the role of technology in education has become a at times contentious topic. Some educators are of the mind that technology and cell phones in particular serve as distractions to learning, other educators argue that tech is a tool facilitates greater learning and engagement in the classroom. In class, guest speaker Jesse Miller shared his experience as a technology consultant in education, highlighting the way that tech is being used in schools and how it is forcing both the student and educator to adapt. Some aspects of his presentation that I found particularly useful were the topics of digital identity, digital rights, and digital literacy. Jesse noted that tech is integral to the everchanging demands of the future, and that as educators we must prepare our students to navigate the future of tech.

While Jesse shared some valuable information about how tech makes educational resources more accessible and can facilitate connections between young people, I do question the perspective that tech in the classroom is inherently positive. I wonder if the point of view that technology like cellphones enables student learning is a bit naive to intentions of students in the classroom. From my limited observations in schools I have already noticed how students who are allowed to use their phones spend a large portion of their time on social media or playing games, not on the intended class topic. Even when given time to do an assignment on a class provided computer, students would play games or search unrelated content. I do agree with Jesse that there are certainly productive uses of tech in education, however I am left with a number of unanswered questions that will likely guide my interactions with tech in the classroom going forward.

Some of my Questions:

  • How do we create an environment where tech is a tool and not a distraction?
  • Is tech making this activity more or less accessible?
  • How is tech fostering creativity or collaboration in this activity?
  • How is tech hindering creativity or collaboration in this activity?
  • Who or how is this tech helping?