"Rethinking Education" Ch. 7 Reflection

Chapter seven of our text talks about what could be lost due to technology and what could be gained due to technology. There are many different opinions when it comes to the growth of technology in today’s culture. Some argue that we depend on technology too much, and others say we don't use it enough. Neither answer is correct, but the debate over technology is heated, especially when it comes to our children's education. In our reading the text portrays both sides of the argument: the skeptic’s side and the advocate’s side. The skeptic’s side argues that we will lose our sense of community and social skills due to technology. Studies show that home computer users result in loneliness and depression. The study also shows that communication between family members decreases along with your role in society. These home computer users lose their social skills and rely on the internet for communication. The skeptics also argue that because of technology the gap between the rich and the poor is expanding. Wealthy families are able and willing to spend money in order for their child to be a step ahead of the less fortunate students. These families are willing to buy tutors, laptops, software, private schooling, prep courses for the SAT or ACT, or even building or buying a house in a particular school district with elite schools. On the other side of the argument is the advocate side. These advocates see technology as a way of making education more engaging and interesting. Because of technology a learner is able to "customize" their learning experience by directing it what they want to learn. The student is able to pursue topics they are interested in and focus on them more than other topics they aren't interested in.  Another thing we can gain from using technology for learning is that we are able to access that information anytime and anywhere. The eight hour school day is not the time limit that limits us to our education, with technology we are able to learn anywhere at anytime. Students are also in charge of their own learning which makes the student responsible for their own education. The advocates also state that by using technology for learning, it will diminish the competitive nature of a typical classroom setting. Students will not feel pressured by the success of their classmates nor feel inferior to them due to grades or capabilities.

After reading this text I have come away with a new perspective on both sides of the debate. I feel as if I stand in the middle of this one. Both sides of the debate have valid points as well as a few "out there" points such as when the critics state that home computer users develop depression and when the advocates state that a competitive educational environment can result in students using drugs. Overall, I feel that it important as an educator to stress the fact that each student should do what’s best for them. Everyone learns different and sometimes home schooling is better than a traditional schooling, and for some students it’s the other way around. Educators should let their students be individuals and do what works best for them.