What I learned this semester

This semester was a great opportunity to learn more about the theories behind the use of technology and teaching.  I have a lot of faith in the ability of technology to improve our quality of life.  I think the potential of technology in education is incredible, and that any method of teaching can be improved through the use of technology.

 

Having said that, it is important to note that technology isn't a "magic bullet" solution for teaching.  One thing that struck me as I researched topics this semester was the many different struggles educators faced as they integrated technology into their curriculums.  I have read blogs where teachers in poor inner-city schools were unable to afford computers for their classrooms, and instead were using Sony PSPs to fulfill a similar function.  I have read arguments about sites such as Second Life and Moodle, where educators recognize the potential but are unsure of how to focus it to meet classroom requirements.

 

As the Multimedia coordinator at my high school, I have faced many of these same questions personally.  At my school there are teachers who still refuse to use the district's computer grading system.  Teachers want to use aids such as online testing, but lack the training to do so and the time to be trained.  My school has made a real effort to provide all classrooms with projectors and Smart Boards, but many rooms lack the ability to use technology more advanced than an overhead projector.  Our desire to integrate technology is limited by both our time and our budgets.

 

This class has reminded me not to be blinded by how "cool" a technology is.  No technology is inherently a teaching tool.  It is only by combining these technologies with pedogogical theories that they can become valuable to us.  We need to research the effectiveness of these tools, and collaborate with each other to determine how to best use them.