The Right Tool for the Job
What do a hammer and a laptop have in common?
At first glance, one would think, not much. One is prehistoric; one is 21st century. One is heavy; the other is light. One has survived the test of time; the other requires further study to prove its effectiveness.
On the other hand, both are mobile tools. When used appropriately, both accomplish a specific task. What is a better tool than a hammer for pounding a nail into a board?
When we explore the use of technology in schools, we must keep in mind that a computer, like other technology, is a tool, not a silver bullet that will fix the current state of the education system. Technology cannot assure that every student will earn a diploma, and it cannot engage a student in math. Technology cannot fill learning gaps or recover lost credits. Only when used appropriately can this tool help students learn.
When I watch my almost-three-year-old son playing, I realize how important it is to teach children the correct and most appropriate use of a tool. Anyone in earshot of my backyard would confirm that not a day goes by without me saying, “That’s not a sword; that’s a stick.” or “We don’t paint on the dog. We paint on paper. The dog doesn’t want be purple.”
When making choices about technology in the classroom, it’s important to ask ourselves, “Is this the most appropriate tool for the job?” More importantly, will implementing this technology facilitate student learning?
Only after we are satisfied with the answers to these questions should we move forward, and move forward decisively.
ODYSSEYWARE® curriculum is a tool that facilitates learning. Alone, it will not solve every problem in education today. It can help students recover credits toward graduation. It can help teachers identify learning gaps. It can encourage students to become more responsible for their own learning. It can keep students engaged in the process. In a world full of innovation, ODYSSEYWARE is an effective tool that supports the learning process.
Maybe my son would learn to use appropriate tools if we dye the dog purple—with nontoxic dye, of course!
In what ways have you appropriately implemented technology in your classrooms?