Fade away

I firmly believe that if we are to reform education we need the help of technology. Although technology in itself is not enough to solve all of the problems inherent in education, in concert with new pedagogies, visionary educators, and strong leadership, change can, and does happen.

Teachers have always had an interesting association with technology. Often that relationship can be uneasy, as each educator comes to terms with how the new tools that are regularly introduced into classrooms can be used, and what each technology means to their professional practice. Teachers respond in a variety of ways, along a spectrum from gleeful acceptance to fearful rejection. What is important for all those educators who wish to successfully embed any technology into the classroom is that it should be perceived as just another tool. Students aren't likely to be impressed with new technology. They are more interested in whether their teacher is passionate and knowledgeable about their subject. They want to know how their teacher can support them as they learn, and whether their teacher is approachable and cares about their learning.

I wrote a post last year that argued for pedagogy to remain uppermost in our minds. Technology, just like any other set of tools, is there to help us all to do the job better, smarter, more effectively. It will never replace good teachers, but if it can amplify our ideas, strengthen our minds, or extend our abilities, then it is incredibly useful. Just don't ever make it appear to be special - the most effective educational technologies fade into the background as learning, and the student, take centre stage.  

Here's an excerpt from my new book, Learning with 'e's:

"Teaching has always been a challenging profession, but in a time where technology is proliferating and has penetrated just about every aspect of our lives, teachers now have unprecedented opportunities to reform education and create previously inconceivable possibilities for learners. But they need to get past the idea that technology is special. It is not. Technology, just like any other set of tools, is there to help the user perform. In the case of learning technology, it fulfils the function of supporting learning. As such we should make it mundane. Technology that is transparent is more effective than technology that is so prominent that it demands our attention. Technology that frames learning so we can see ‘through it’ to engage and explore, is more effective than technology that is the centre of attention. Introducing technology into schools is not difficult. Ensuring that it is used appropriately is another matter entirely."

By all means, integrate technology into learning, but do make sure that it's there to support learners, and becomes transparent, so that students can see past it to find their learning.