What are we negotiating?Jane Marshall, speaks to the research of Dr. Catherine Adams, an Education professor at the University of Alberta. She says,
"Her research is centered in digital technologies in what she calls a ‘hidden curriculum,’ where technology itself acts as a kind of teacher. For example, when someone picks up a calculator, that tool shows them a certain way of thinking. The tool lets them focus on higher-order mathematical thinking skills, but it also atrophies basic numeracy skills such as recalling multiplication facts." Dr. Adams "notes that there is both a gain and a loss involved with the adoption of technology". It's important for educators and students to be cognizant of the negotiations they are making when adopting technology. Like the calculator, when students word process and use auto-correct, their handwriting is impacted, as is their ability to edit their own work for spelling. When planning educational experiences for students, we need to consider what educational affordances our technological extensions are providing us while keeping in mind what skills we are pushing aside. |
The Cultural Lag in Educational TechnologyOne of the major concerns for educators when it comes to the purposeful integration of technology in the classroom is having the necessary support in place. This support can take a variety of forms from policy, to training, to professional development, to device access.
The costs associated with technology and professional development are challenging for Education Ministries, Districts, and Schools. Additionally, it takes time for schools and districts to establish policy and infrastructure around technology integration. There are the voices of many stakeholders to consider along with the factors associated with infrastructure (i.e. wifi logistics, privacy, data management, etc.). As a result, the rapidity with which technology is integrated in our daily lives is often far ahead of that in education. Learn more: |
Implications for Educators
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Implications for LearnersEnvironmental changes may include the digital world blending with the real world:
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