Technology as a Tool in Education

     In all classrooms today, elementary through college, computers are a necessity.  Computers and technology is more than just "the cool new thing", according to Ben McNeely,  a senior at North Carolina State University.  Ben talks about growing up with technology.  He mentions the game "The Oregon Trail" which I vividly remember playing in school as well.  

As a fourth grader and looking back, I had no idea where technology was heading and what it

would be in my future.  While growing up with the new, big boxy computers, they were used as more of a fun past time in the classroom. Something we got to use when we got our other work done.  In classrooms today, technology comes in many forms and is a necessity for students to master as we look to what the future has in store for them.
     Growing up, I was different from Ben.  We didn't have a computer in our house until I was at least in high school.  And even now, my parents no longer have a computer in their house which is almost unheard of.  I wonder how many homes with children in them, can say they don't have a computer?  I would guess the answer is none.  Computers and knowing how to use technology is a must. Our children and students of today are better at using the technology because it is just a part of their experience all around.  "They learn by doing, not by reading the instruction manual or listening to lectures. These are the learners that faculty must reach."  Even in my field of early childhood education, children are highly involved in using a large variety of materials as they learn by doing. Part of that learning by doing must involve technology.  
 

   "It has been said that we, the Net Generation, are closer to our grandparents—the Greatest Generation—in our work ethic and optimism about the future than to our parents' generation. But how we approach problems is totally different."  Ben talks about his grandfather "tinkering" with things to learn how they work or what he can do with the objects.  In the same way with technology, we must allow students time to "tinker" so they too can figure it out and have a solid foundation with a tool that could make or break their opportunity for finding a successful job.  
     Technology should not replace the foundation of education.  "Using technology only enhances the hands-on experience; it does not—and cannot—replace human interaction. "  Throughout Ben's article, he talks about interaction.  Interaction is still a key piece of who we are and technology does not replace that.  It needs to be a tool that accents the foundations of education and just makes connecting and interacting with others and the world more readily available.  
   


Reference:
McNeely, Ben.  (2018).  Using technology as a learning tool, not just the cool new thing.  Educause.  Retrieved Dec. 8, 2018, from https://www.educause.edu/research-and-publications/books/educating-net-generation/using-technology-learning-tool-not-just-cool-new-thing