Technology should be a win-win no matter what tool or resource you are using. Regardless of pros or cons, whatever we try to use is a learning experience and something good can always be discovered if we look carefully. Since I started leading workshops and interacting with teachers new to technology, I inevitably was asked a lot of 'Which do you like better?' questions. Windows or Mac? Laptop or Tablet? iPhone or Android? I always find these a little tricky to answer. I had more questions than they did. In my current AQ course, I have been asked to compare some blended learning tools such as Edmodo, Ning, and D2L to name a few. I started researching and quickly found people who had comparison charts and technical breakdowns of each. At the end of almost all of them was a similar thought about how it always depends on the purpose of the user or the environment that one will be working in. There is no 'best tool'. Someone just needs to look critically at the factors involved and make a decision. Even if they don't get the perfect match there will be a learning experience that is priceless. After all, isn't that what education is all about?
Well said. You are thinking beyond the "black and white" response. -->Since I started leading workshops and interacting with teachers new to technology, I inevitably was asked a lot of 'Which do you like better?' questions. Windows or Mac? Laptop or Tablet? iPhone or Android? I always find these a little tricky to answer.
ReplyDeleteIt just depends. I often get frustrated when hearing edtech leaders, consultants and such voicing their "opinions" on certain tools. For example, I have heard some of our own consultants share their "dislike" toward smartboards saying they are not valuable in the classroom and yet...like any other tool....it just depends. I have heard the same about the 3d Printer. And yet, it just depends.
Any tool can be used or misused and as you have noted in other posts, it often depends on ones personal philosophy and methods of teaching on how the tool is effectively deployed in the learning environment.
Really myself to say something about it.You’re doing a great job.Keep it up Thanks & Regards,
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Yes technology must be win win. I also appreciate the work you are doing. Teaching the disabilities.
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