Review of Chris Dawson’s Top 5 Ed Tech Predictions for 2011
I chose to review “Top 10 Ed Tech predictions for 2011.” The first half of this article summarizes some of the frequently discussed education topics or challenges including:
- how to improve teaching and learning while integrating technology,
- personalized learning,
- product-based assessment, and
- conceptual learning.
With the first five summaries being contributed by a Dell manager it was no surprise that Dell learning platforms and products were promoted. What these summaries lacked were comparison between Dell technology and competitors’ technology leading to me questioning the credibility of the article. The first half of the article had a promotional tone which I resented. At times I almost felt as though I was reading an advertisement.
In addition, I questioned some of the content. For example, when summarizing trends in personalized learning the suggestion that “math and literacy core standards [will be] adopted nationwide” was somewhat of a puzzle to me. As I understand it that has been the trend in the United States for the past decade due to the introduction of the “No Child Left Behind” (2001) legislation.
The inclusion of product-based assessment was somewhat encouraging as digital literacy, critical thinking, and creativity were mentioned, all of which are skills that 21st century learners require for success. Rather than simply providing a brief mention of portfolios a more in-depth discussion as to how technology is expected to contribute in this area would have been helpful.
Those interested in an a brief overview of several challenges in education may appreciate the first half of the article but for ed. tech. predictions the later half is of more value. Overall though I found the article to fall short in providing the predictions its title suggested that it offered.
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gillian 10:18 am on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Claire,
Thank your for the succinct overview. I agree that the promotion of Dell products was rather shameless and I can see why you would ‘resent’ it. A critical comparison of other brands would have led more credibility to the article rather than the author’s attempt to balance with his own predictions.
gillian
Dennis Pratt 5:14 pm on May 19, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Claire;
I didn’t think too much about the Dell influence on the article but I agree that the author should have explored other companies before making his predictions. I had to take this article with a grain of salt as it is a blog where the author is probably paid to write quantity, not so much for quality. I think you have a right to be sceptical.
Dennis
Denise 4:32 am on May 20, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
HI Claire,
I agree with you too! I really found the Dell summaries off putting and made me less likely to really question the predictions. The only positive thing I can say is that at least they were transparent about the contribution!
Deborah S 9:46 am on May 20, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Claire,
Thanks for the summary. I agree with you and others who have posted about the decided bias in the article. As Denise pointed out, at least they admitted it. I always try to identify who is sponsoring an article or who may have commissioned it to identify potential biases that may exist. I agree that the article would have been more valuable had other brands been included in the analysis.
Deborah
lisamallen 9:01 pm on May 20, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Clare,
I agree with others here – whenever I read something that is littered with brands (i.e. Dell), I am immediately suspicious bout the content. At that moment – the whole article loses its credibility.
Cheers,
Lisa