Technology definition

Technology, the final frontier:  To boldly go where no man has gone before.   I chose Instructional Technology for my master's degree because I felt the education in the schools and in the future will include more technology.  The science fair in my school was actually one of the major catalysts in this decision.  Every student presents with poster board.  It is required.  Fluorescent green is optional.  Styrofoam backed, laminated, scented or suspended in air are choices left to the presenter.   Is this new technology?  Do we want the scientists of tomorrow working with the poster board of yesterday? 

New technology does not mean better teaching or better students.  It does not mean more expensive or more attachments.  It does not mean one on one instruction or a smaller class load.  It does mean adapting teaching styles, changing expectations and creating a better learning environment.  Technology can be hardware or software, permanent or adjustable, for public education or private industry. 

Automatic pencils were a step forward in technology, but we still have pencil sharpeners.  Smart boards were a giant leap forward, but most classrooms still have chalk or white boards.  Record players were better than phonographs, but 8-track tapes were an even greater improvement.

I am hopeful that I will be more informed as technology is introduced, that I may be able to apply trusted educational practices to improve learning in my classroom and not just to wow the students with the new "stuff!"

I attended a technology seminar before school started and among other things I learned how to use a GPS.  Interesting.  Will I use it in my classroom?  Is it useful technology for me?  I know teachers who use VCRs in the classroom but not always to help the students learn. Technology can occasionally be detrimental to a student's progress, or even harmful to a teacher’s mental stability.  How am I ever going to find the time to learn how to use this properly in my classroom?  I teach in two schools and must now learn to coordinate for one school with a computer and overhead, and the other with a projector and document camera.  Instructional technology to me is the ability or knowledge to use the technology available to teach the most effectively.  I hope this class enables me to do so better.

Submitted by Harold Zentz