Ch. 7 – What may be lost and what may be gained?

In this chapter, a lot is discussed about the effects of increasing technology in the realm of education.  By dividing these effects into two categories, what could be lost and what could be gained, the chapter discusses the positive and negative effects of technology.  To begin, it talks about some things that we may lose by focusing more on technology in the classroom.  I definitely feel that some of these things are an issue, such as dividing social groups and isolating the individual.  Within the students in the classroom, a division could take place between those who have access to computers and technology and those who may not have access to these things.  This may cause a separation between white and non-white or rich and poor, which in turn would cause conflict.  In order to avoid this, I feel it would be necessary to only use technology that I would be sure everyone would have access to and readily be able to use.  Also, I would avoid technologies such as private education systems or programs that must be purchased and I would only use technology that doesn’t force the students to contribute financially.  Another problem that arises from technology in the classroom is that it isolates individual students when forced to work on their own on a computer.  Traditional classroom procedure is a teacher talking to the students while having them be engaged and involved in the lesson.  With some of the new technology, it deviates from that tradition and moves towards a curriculum of individual projects, computer lessons, and communicating online.  Though this problem is of concern, I think it can be avoided by using group projects and other group assignments to engage students.

                Though there are many losses associated with the introduction of technology in the classroom, there are many things to be gained as well.  From the many programs we have discussed in class as well as read about, it is easy to see the variety of tools as teachers we have at our disposal. By using these multiple tools, education has the ability to become more engaging and customizable.  Many different technologies can be employed during a single lesson, and most of these that engage students can be modified to fit their skill and comfort levels.  Also, students who use new technology will feel more connected to the material when compared to traditional methods.  This is important because it will help improve retention and comprehension.  In all, technology I feel is more beneficial because the tools and the way they are used to customize lessons to fit the needs of situation that you are using them for.