Educational Technology – Never an end in and of itself
Technology has become fully embedded in today's K-12 classroom. As of 2016, public schools could boast of having at least one computer for every five students (Herold, 2016). Public Schools spent that year more than $3 billion per year on related digital content (Herold, 2016).
Those statistics are impressive. But it must be remembered that technology in and of itself is nothing more than a tool like any other tool educators have at their disposal. It is important to focus beyond the technology as technology is not the end, but a means to the end. That end we seek as educators is more efficient and effective learning.
Technology is only useful as a tool if it increases learning (McKnight, et al., 2016). And as a tool, various studies have shown that technology can increase learning by giving students choice in the learning process (McKnight, et al., 2016). By increasing student participation and motivation, technology can help provide greater learning inside the classroom (Herold, 2016).
It is important for teachers to understand how technology is changing their role inside the classroom. The use of technology enables students to access various sources of knowledge on their own (McKnight, et al., 2016). The role of the instructor is shifting from providing answers and content to acting as a guide as the student travels via available technology tools to make their own learning (McKnight, et al., 2016).
Although the role of instructors may be changing, their responsibilities are not. Student learning will always be at the forefront of all that instructors do. As instructors continue to leverage technology to increase student learning, we must remember that a tool is most effective when in the hands of an expert. Let's make sure we develop our expertise in leveraging technology with the goal of increased student learning.
Does the Church need to evolve to meet the needs of a digital age?
In the same way that educators must see technology as a tool and not an end in and of itself, the church must approach the use of technology with the same mindset. I have seen many examples of technology becoming the focus in a worship service (or at a minimum taking the focus off of the Reason why the attendees were there). As we serve God, let us use every tool He has provided to share the Good News, and to glorify Him. But may the tool never become an idol which is worshipped in and of itself.
References
Herold, B. (2016, February 5). Technology in Education: An Overview. Retrieved from Education Week: https://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/technology-in-education/index.html
McKnight, K., O'Malley, K., Ruzic, R., Horsley, M. K., Franey, J., & Bassett, K. (2016). Teaching in a Digital Age: How Educators Use Technology to Improve Student Learning. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 194-211.
Picture Citation
https://pixabay.com/illustrations/learn-school-usb-plug-electronic-2099928/