In the career of education and particularly in educational technology, educators not only need to identify current trends, issues and new media, they also need to adequately assess which technological tools will best serve the educational needs at hand such as computer-mediated communications, mobile accessibility, virtual reality, distance education, artificial intelligence, and more.
To help answer questions about identifying trends and issues and adopting technology, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. David Holder, Assistant Professor of Graduate Education and Educational Technology at Liberty University. When asked to describe how he identifies current trends in the field, he said he first considers the technologies that he tends to use and that students and coworkers use. This is really practical advice for any educator: Consider technologies that are already gaining popularity, and see if they can serve an educational need. In other words, if it’s summer and people are buying ice cream, sell ice cream! But don’t try to sell ice to the Inuit.
The most poignant thought came when answering, “What advice do you have for a future professional entering the distance education or educational technology field?” Dr. Holder responded by saying “Technology cannot nor will it ever cause learning. It can only make the process of learning more efficient. This efficiency is the goal of educational technology. If it is not doing this it is a failure. If it is making the process more laborious then it is a failure.” I think this is something worth remembering for any educator. Many of us have seen thousands of dollars wasted by schools on the “next new thing.” The next new thing is fine but only if it serves the greater purpose of learning.
How do you identify and choose new educational technologies? What do you think are the new and/or upcoming trends and issues in educational technology?
Michael,
ReplyDeleteSounds like your interview went well!
I agree with Dr. Holder that the best way to know what is going to be the latest trend is looking at what is being used by those who surround us. The practicality increases when considering implementation and integration of these popular devices because students and staff are already familiar with the devices. It also goes to show what many software developers are going to be focusing on as well. Devices that are popular and well-received get the attention of the software companies very quickly because they want their product utilized on these popular devices.
I also think that it is a common misconception that increasing technology in the classroom leads to a direct increase in student achievement. Technology is a tool that aids in instruction; it is a tool and it is not the causation of learning. That is why it is important that people understand that teachers will always have a place in the classroom. I also value that technology should make our lives easier, not more difficult. I think that there is a difference between putting in the time to learn something new that in the end will make your duties more efficient than a technology device that increases the hours you spend doing a task that is completed much quicker manually or on another device.
When I took the Educational Leadership class with Dr. Holder, I understood so much from the Hall text about purchasing technology. There needs to be more thought put into a purchase than “this could be the next big thing.” There needs to be an analysis of the capability of software, maintenance, training, etc.
I identify the latest trends by looking at what my students and coworkers are using, reading journals, watching TV and visiting Best Buy. I evaluate these trends by reading reviews of the devices on the Internet. When considering what I would use in my classroom, I would research best practices and I would reflect on if the technology is benefiting me, my students, or both. I would also analyze how this device or software will be applicable to my curriculum and I would try figure out how it will impact instruction.
What do you think is the most important device your coworkers and fellow students are using currently that will have the most significant impact on education in the next year?
Great contribution,
Tiffany
@Tiffany
ReplyDeleteI actually think that social networking systems in education will be a big growth area over the next several years. As systems like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ continue to grow and mature, they have the potential for more educational uses. Facebook does not need to be limited to social exchanges among students. In my opinion, Facebook has the potential to become an educational content management system and collaborative work environment. Students could post and share materials, collaborate online on projects, post relevant materials they find in their research and much more.
The system Edmodo (at Edmodo.com) is actually like logging into facebook except it was designed specifically for education. An educator friend of mine has been using Edmodo for a couple years now in his classes and he has seen many benefits. One benefit is the opportunity to share content through Edmodo (e.g. assignments, deadlines) instead of spending valuable class time to manage those tasks. Students are also able to continue in their work outside of class since Edmodo is an online system.
Michael,
ReplyDeleteGreat information from Dr. holder, “Technology cannot nor will it ever cause learning. It can only make the process of learning more efficient. This efficiency is the goal of educational technology." I remember talking about this in the class I had with him. I have seen the excitement that people have every time something new in technology shows up. It is also a great point that you made that new device are fine as long as they serve the purpose of learning. I think that social media is a trend that is going to have an impact on education. I don't know what that will look like though (blogging, Edmodo, Facebook, Twitter, google+, or something better than each of these).
Thanks,
-Chris