Using Digital Tools in the Classroom: Reflections on Chapter 3

Okay, so I have completed my first content post on the required readings for this course.  Now onto my thoughts using digital tools in the classroom.  The reflection questions from chapter 3 in , Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom, are as follows:

1- Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?

2- Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?

3- How can the cost of digital devices de justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?

Well, to begin, I should state for clarity that I am a closet luddite!  Yes, I am typing this on my sleek, white macbook, purposefully designed to enhance its aesthetic marketability.  And yes, I will be checking email later on my equally sleekly designed iPhone.  However, I would rather sit in a comfortable chair reading an actually paper-based book, or out in my shop creating something beautiful with wood and archaic hand tools.  I prefer conversation over typing, and tactile learning over screen-based tutorials.  But the fact of the matter is that technology is here, and to ignore its potential for the classroom setting would be inconsistent in our goal as educators; that is, to prepare children for all facets of future academic or personal/career endeavors.  Above all, we as educators need to remain energized and relevant, or we abjectly fail both ourselves and our students.

So in response to question 1, it is not only important to learn about different technology tools, it is absolutely necessary to remain relevant.  Many professions are in a similar situation.  Take the medical field for instance, over the last few decades physicians have had to master new and evolving technologies as medical records have moved to a paperless route, diagnosis and surgeries have become possible from remote locations via tele-medicne, and specialty treatments have become increasingly more specialized through use of technologies.  Even traditional blue collar jobs have become increasingly specialized.  For example, the welding and automotive technology fields are becoming increasingly specialized due to new, evolving technologies.  We as educators need to accept that we are not only preparing our students for academic success, we must also empower them to be adaptable to the ever changing technological world, lest we groom them to be irrelevant in the future job market.

For question 2, mobile devices are becoming a necessity in the contemporary classroom.  Most of my pre-algebra students use graphing calculators to check their work.  I am also considering purchasing digital cameras for the students to use as part of their life science inquiries. The ability to photograph a particular animal or plant as reference in a presentation will do much more for the classes' appreciation of the subject matter.  

I feel that question 3 is somewhat answered with question 2.  However, beyond their potential uses, mobile devices are generally less expensive than actual computers and thus help to incorporate technology into a classroom that might have limited computer access.  Besides, a computer is incapable of being used as a mobile camera etc.  Of course, a tablet can offer a little bit of the best of both worlds, however, I think the cost makes it a difficult sale for today's tightly budgeted public classrooms.