In my view, “good” use of technology is when educators are able to engage students and provide opportunities for further exploration. As 21st century students, the realities of the classroom and workforce have ultimately changed from times of pencil-to-paper. Students and employees are able to connect to information in seconds, and explore any topic. These tools provide us with the unique opportunity to allow our students to explore any topic of interest under the umbrella of mathematics and science. For instance, if we were covering the topic of forces in grade 4, we could have students research and investigate the term forces, create wonder questions, and partake in an inquiry project on a narrow topic within that strand.
Additionally, “good” use of these tools are when we are able to provide questions to students that cannot be “googled”. If students are able to type in the question and receive an answer, we are not using these tools to their fullest potential. From the employees of today, nearly all have access to a phone, laptop or another smart device that will answer simple/factual information for them. It is my goal as an educator to have my students develop problem-solving skills and reasoning skills when faced with a question that does not have a simple answer. In these cases, questions may be posed to students and they are asked to research any related information, and articulate their own understanding and/or decision.
Furthermore, it is not the tool itself that makes it “good”, but the use of the tool. There are many educators that are utilizing these tools in fascinating, innovative ways, in which students are able to explore and become engaged in their learning. We need to mindful that technology is a learning tool, just as any other tool that we utilize in our classroom (whiteboard, pencils, blocks, etc,), it is not just a cool new thing to do because everyone is doing it. I believe that some educators can become overwhelmed by feeling the pressure to use technology in every unit, in every lesson. It would be my advice to use the tool where there is a purpose and it is providing an opportunity beyond what is available in the classroom.
Shayla