Discussion Questions

1. As an educator, how can technology be used to develop mental or social ecology and encourage subjectivity?  Does technology assist in the development of these types of ecology?

2. Where should we situate educational technology in the partnership ethic and social reconstruction narrative as described by Carolyn Merchant?

3. Zhao & Frank (2003) explore professional development with technology use and understand it as an opportunity “for co-evolution and mutual adaptation between species” (p. 836). How do you learn about new technologies (foreign species)? How do you learn how to use new technologies? What role does professional development with technology play in your school?

Activities

1. Voicethread

Zhao & Frank’s (2003) fundamental question is: “Why is technology not used more in schools?” (p. 807). Thinking about this please respond to the questions below using our Voicethread.

In your school which technologies have failed? Which technologies have flourished? What was the role of the school (its structure and resistance to change), teacher’s attitude toward technology, and/or the technology itself (perceived value, unreliability, and its propensity toward obsolescence) in the success or failure of the implementation of technology in your school?

2. Glogster

Vist our Ecology of Educational Technology Glog.

Creatively share your own ideas and understanding about the Ecology of Educational Technology using Glogster. Post your link using the “Reply” area below.