Week 1 Reflection

According to “Beyond technology: the case of technology transformation word” by Reigeluth and “Of Luddites, Learning, and Life” by Postman, I conclude a significant perspective about the impact of technology on our teaching methods which can improve our educational outcomes.

First of all, no one can deny the influence of technology tools that contributed to developing our teachers, students, and our learning environments.

However, there are some people also believe the idea that technology can be a useful and powerful thing, but it also can cause destruction and major problems. So, they do not like to integrate using technology in the education field as Postman’s view.

On the contrary, Reigeluth believes that technology can be a wonderful tool in facilitating learning. And I agree with him for several reasons. First, as I am an international student, I couldn't remember the great things it can technology offered for me whether finding information on the Internet, communicate with advisors or professors and interpretation some misunderstanding.  

Most importantly, based on my experience observing science classroom in WMU last semester with eight different professors. I noticed that all the instructors used many educational technologies such as projectors, computers, and internet-based technologies. Moreover, I observed firsthand how technologies contribute to both instructors and students in the learning environment. For the instructor, technology made instruction easier and provided opportunities to use multi-media approaches to engage students. For students, technology helped them to be more stimulated and are apt to learn when they can interact with hands-on learning tools, which various forms of educational technology provide. I believe that technology motivates students to learn because using technology in the classroom allows students to take greater control of their education tools like tablets and laptops encourage interactive, hands-on learning.

            Although, I agree with Reigeluth's view more that postman’ view, but I will be too careful about using technology in the classroom on future for a critical reason. As Postman said that he has as no hostility towards new technologies but he is not enthusiastic about them because he believes that "technologies are distractions and they divert the intelligence and energy of talented people from addressing the issues we need most to confront”. I believe that our students become users of technology every time and everywhere (whether writing a notice on the cell phone, taking screenshots, sending messages, and using the calculator even in easier numbers). I think that point has a negative effect on students because it makes students lazy and wants everything by a press button. So, that will disrupt intelligent of students and rely primarily on technology instead of their minds. 

            In conclusion, I support using technology but with some limits which can arise by specialists on educational technology with helping administrators and instructors.

Sources:

‪Reigeluth, C.M, & Joseph, R. (2002). Beyond technology integration: The case for technology transformation. Educational Technology, p. 9-12.

‪Postman, N. (1993). Of luddites, learning, and life. Technos Quarterly