Today in our lovely little group, we discussed some of the ideas we encountered as we gathered information for our inquiry projects. One article laid out a process for integrating technology into lessons that was rather interesting. It called upon teachers first to look at their current practices, and then to think about what they wish to accomplish by incorporating a new technology. It then stated that teachers need to research a variety of options, both technological and not, keeping financial considerations and best practices in mind. Resource identification was important, as was comfort level with the new technology. The authors felt that the teacher needed to be willing to learn, redesign content, and prepare a plan of implementation.

This article hit at the heart of some of what I’ve been considering. It is important not to adopt technology for the sake of technology. Technologies come, go, change, adapt. Instead, we need to consider why we’re using something. How will it benefit our students? How does it improve what I’m doing as an educator? How does it expand the thoughts of my students, the exposure of my students? Can I use it to create a connection that didn’t previously exist? As stated today, we are the sum of our experiences. If I can use technology to expand the experiences of my students, fantastic. If I’m using it to do the same old, same old, such as posting stories on a blog but not actually connecting an audience to that blog, what’s the point

The discussion today combined with my visit to Bard on the Beach and Elizabeth Rex created a most interesting image in my mind. While making the note of needing to expand thoughts through exposure, the bear from the play popped into my head. Elizabeth is immediately frightened by the bear, based on her personal knowledge and experiences. However, the bear turns out to be friendly and rather cuddly. Flipping this, if this experience is all one ever had of a bear, it might make for a rather dangerous reaction the next time one met a bear and tried to give it a cuddle.

As humans, we need to grow, to expand. If not, what is the point of our existence?

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