Automate vs Informate

Creating a Culture for Teaching and Learning was an awesome article! It was so good that I made copies and gave it to my superintendent, principal and English teacher/department head.  It made me step back and evaluate the use of technology in my classroom and our district.  Our district just incorporated a “BYOD”; bring your own device, program in our high school.  Teachers and students are encouraged to use iphones, ipads, laptops and etc to enhance learning.  However, I found myself wondering if we got the cart before the horse so to speak.  Just because electrical devices can be used in the classroom now, does not mean learning will be enhanced.  In fact, it could be hindered. I do not mean by students texting and being distracted either, but because teachers have not asked themselves if they desire that technology to “automate” learning or to “informate” learning.  Do I consider “flipping” my classroom just because it will speed up the lesson or because it will enhance the lesson?  Will my students who have access to technology at home get ahead of my students who do not if I flip a lesson? These are the types of questions I started asking myself.  I was most intrigued at the idea of putting a live video in my classroom by which families and other teachers could watch me teach. I actually like the idea.  What better way to show others what is important to me and the skills needed to be successful in my class.  What if a teacher got a great idea from me or gave me an idea to improve one of my lessons? Students could benefit! In the end, we cannot buy more technology for our schools if we first do not ask ourselves some very important questions! It reminded me that just the other day I saw some teacher throwing away some brand new mathematics manipulatives.  I can remember years ago I would have killed for those.  It was like the district had bought them because they were the “in” educational item at the moment, but then never used them.  I can see that happening very easily with technology. So what if we get every kid an ipad.  If we do not know how to truly incorporate the use of that technology in the child’s learning, it too will just be another manipulative gone to the way side.