Pros and Cons of Technology

Good or bad?

We’ve discussed the importance of technology as a way to enhance the learning experience, but we focused on how technology can be problematic.  The most obvious concern is technology implemented sloppily.  If it is not explicitly used for a purpose, it can become a distraction like a poorly done PowerPoint presentation and can become worse than useless.  The other concern is a bit more subtle. When technology is implemented, it can replace the need for relationships.  Consequently, relying on technology instead of people can cut us off from potential friends and contacts.  As adults, we must realize that everything has a cost, and we need to be aware of what time, relationships, and experiences we are trading for our choices.

Will robots take over?

            It is interesting to hear and read records of people in times past talking about technology.  Surely part of it is our selection bias for things that sound like us, but there seems to be an awful lot of that.  As it pertains to teachers, many were worried about new technology being introduced that could replace them.  Many people become excited about new capabilities and new ways we can improve our lives, but there is always a worry about how that will change our role in society or even just our jobs.  Will new tech take our jobs?  Will robots make me obsolete?

            Back decades ago, people worried about how videos would replace the need for teachers in school.  The worry is indeed valid, but in retrospect, we recognize the importance of the immediate feedback that comes from someone capable of understanding where thinking is going wrong or even slightly wrong.  Unless the video series is explicit and long enough to cover all misconceptions that can arise, actual human contact will be necessary for maximum results.

            These fears will probably arise forever, but, as educators, part of our job will be to see new tech as potential tools – ways to bring great speakers to class to start discussions, ways for students to engage online with foreign students, and ways to make old, time-consuming activities streamlined (ala clickers).  These will make life easier and remove the need for certain skills, activities, and relationships, and as we can save time we can teach more than ever before.  How we implement will depend on our stated goals.  The more clearly we understand what our goals are, the more explicit our objectives can be, and our objectives will guide our choice of the most effective tools at our disposal.