Technology is now ubiquitous in our world. Many see it as the solution to our problems in education. Every child with a device will suddenly cure our ills.
This past week, I had the opportunity to attend #ISTE19, which is one of the largest education technology conferences in the world. The technology was impressive. New ways to do things. More efficient ways of doing things. Fun, engaging ways of doing things. More expensive ways of doing things.
I left with one question, a question that I often ask when it comes to technology in the classroom. How much of it has an impact on student learning?
When I walk into a classroom, and twenty-five students are using their devices, what is the actual impact on learning? Six students might be consuming videos on YouTube. Seven may be practicing math facts using an online program. Five might be reading a book online. Four are just zoning out although it looks like they are engaged. And three are playing online video games (that they are not supposed to be playing). Are the devices really being used in a way that provides the most impact for students?
I think the answer is obvious.
Technology is ubiquitous.
But is it helping?
Let’s all at least start with the question.
Rich (@RACzyz)