Technology is Taking Over the World...

After reading "Learning in the Digital Age," by Mark Prensky I have become even more convinced that technology is taking over the world. Initially, I grew up without a computer in my home. I learned how to type in junior high. In high school, I was introduced to email accounts and created my first account my sophomore year. I received my first cell phone when I was 18. I am 25 now, and have just begun texting. Clearly, our generation is in the digital age. The world is at our finger tips. Every month, there is a new gadget or gizmo that we must have. If we don't receive internet access within seconds, we become frustrated. We want things, and we want them now. The classroom is greatly affected by this technology movement. However, I fear this mindset will make our generation and the generations to come lazy and unpersonal. Prensky brought up some good points about how technology can help teachers and students in the classroom. However, overall I feel the perks do not outweigh the negative connotations.

Prensky made the point that we should allow students a voice and ownership over what they learn and how they learn it. I agree with him to an extent. However, the students are there to learn from the teachers (the experts). Teachers go through a lot of schooling to become the expertise in their subject area. Students should trust their teachers to present the information to the best of their capability. Teachers may grow complacent and stagnant; however, I do not feel that the lack of technology is to blame for it. If students want more technology in their classrooms, my question is why? I do not trust students enough to stay focused while they have the worldwide web right in front of them. Students need to learn how to pay attention to someone who is teaching them. This teaches them discipline, respect and focus.

Prensky said, "Our brightest students, trusted with responsibility, will surprise us all with their contributions." I do agree with him. However, I think we can give students responsibility without having them depend on technology as a crutch. Perhaps we can place them in charge of taking attendance or make them small group leaders for projects. There are many opportunities to instill trust and responsibility to students without having them solely rely on the internet.

I thought the point Prensky brought up about the use of video games enabling students to learn at their own level. That was interesting and I do think video games can be useful for this. However, I think the teacher needs to be extra careful about what video games they allow their students to participate in. I also think the time they play in class needs to be structured and highly monitored to make sure they are staying on track.

"If every district or school found just one expert willing to contribute his or her expertise; set up and videotaped a meaningful series of Q&A exchanges with students; and put those videos on the Web, enhancing them with additional relevant materials, we'd soon have a 21st century curriculum," said Prensky. I feel like Prensky brings up a great point here. Technology can speed up the process of education and can enable students to have the information just a "click away." However, I think there is a great deal of appreciation for face to face communication with a teacher and his or her students. They can learn to work out problems and issues together face to face. I fear that with the way technology is taking over the world, this face to face communication will lose its importance and we will no longer be able to understand how to communicate in person.

I think there are many great advantages in the use of technology in the classroom. However, if we allow it to run the school and take the place of a teacher's job, I fear to see what future generations will look like. I like the idea that teachers can keep grades easier, get in touch with parents easier and more often and the use of video games can help a math student work at his or her own pace. However, I think we should not allow technology to fully take the place of teaching in a good, old-fashioned lecture style.