Why should I use technology?

The dialogue between Kozma (1994) and Clark (1994) presented a debate, which I have heard many times.  Does technology really impact learning? Or are Web 2.0 applications, Smartboards and tablets just a fancy way to engage students with no real consequences on learning?  Surprisingly, even to myself, I would have to agree with Clark (1994): “media influences cost or speed (efficiency) of learning, but methods are causal in learning.”

I believe Kozma recognizes that method is essential to learning, which is why he advocates for the utilization of media.  Kozma discusses how method and medium must be interwoven, and that most educational technologies have a constructivist situation-based approach.  This allows teachers to deliver content, not in an authoritarian approach, but in a student led learning capacity.  It would seem to me that Kozma (1994) is trying to challenge designers and educational technologists to not be content with the current technology used in our schools, nor the applications being supplied by the corporate world.  Rather, “media must be designed to give us powerful new methods, and our methods must take appropriate advantage of a medium’s capabilities” (Kozma, 1994, p. 16).

That being said, I do believe that with strong instructional method, teachers could achieve similar learning results without using media.  Why then, would I use technology?

1. It is a hook for students, either because it is different or something they are familiar with.
2. Access and efficiency: to information via the web, encyclopedias, video and pictures from around the world immediately.
3. Ease of differentiation.  Technology provides the opportunity for all students to access information and demonstrate learning.
4. Real-world Application: students need technological skills in their future careers, but they also need experiential learning opportunities, some of which can only realistically be completed using computers.
5. Instructional Design – most ET is compatible with my personal constructivist teaching philosophy.

Why did my principal push for laptop carts, Smartboards in every class, teacher 1-to-1 laptops, D2L and digital cameras?

1. To alter teacher instructional method. Provide PD on ways to use technology using constructivism, differentiation, and problem-based learning.
2. Reduce costs of photocopying, thereby also potentially changing instructional method from worksheet/textbook focused to inquiry / problem-based.
3. To be a leader within the school board.
4. Lastly, and ultimately, to improve student learning through instructional method, student engagement and equal access.

Clark (1994) said much about the cost of technology, but upon reflection of the improvements that occurred in my school, I’d say the costs were worth it.  However, it wasn’t really technology that made the difference, it was the teachers’ willingness to try something new to find student success.