Which Came First: The Learning or Technology?

As the common phrase goes: which came first the chicken or the egg, as educators we must question which came first: the need to use technology or the need to educate?
Blynt (2020) points out that much like required elements of teaching such as tiered vocabulary, essential questions, and assessments, technology can fall into a pit of is it leading to and enhancing learning? Blynt (2020) encourages teachers to reflect on the pitfalls of technology and cites issues such as privacy concerns, corporate greed, and use. With use, teachers must truly think if the technology is adapted effectively to replace old methods with no damage to student learning. An example provided from the reading is digitizing state tests where annotating is more complicated and requires an additional skill set to simple highlighting with pen/paper. Blynt remarks, "How much instructional time will be squandered to teach students how to use a troublesome computer program?"

This article points out one of my biggest concerns with technology usage in that it doesn't always align to the way a brain works. At least, not in my observations. When I took my first technology education course in college (back when google docs was revolutionary...) I found this phenomenon to be abounding. It took 3 times the effort and time to digitize and it was just a replacement for a simple conversation or peer review that could have been on pen and paper. Even more so, I spent days upon days of instructional prep. which would only be complicated with and L2 language barrier. With recent upgrades on all technological platforms I think the technology is catching up with the education and tools such as Schoology make some works easier. For example, manipulative work that used to be cut/paste where small pieces were almost always LOST and then students were CONFUSED has become a much smoother process. Students can now draw, drag, drop, and re-post in new ways that are starting to reflect more of a pen and paper approach. 

Am I always convinced of the benefits of technology at the ripe age of 30? No. Do I still think throwing markers, crayons, and colored pencils at my high school students like they are confetti at a wedding can be the best approach? 1,000 times- YES. Can technology sometimes replace old school methods though? YES. But as Blynt (2020) urges it can, but that doesn't mean it always should. Educators need to make decisions based on the needs of students and be discerning of the methods. 

Blynt, G. (2020, Feb. 12). Think critically before introducing more technology to the classroom. Retrieved from https://www.syracuse.com/opinion/2020/02/think-critically-before-introducing-more-technology-to-the-classroom-commentary.html.