EdTech- Why do we use it and who is it benefiting?
When it comes to technology in the classroom, my personal belief is that there needs to be a balance. First off, why do we have it at all? The reality is that most kids are already using technology and social media in their everyday life. According to Tech Crunch the average age of kids when they receive their first cell phone is 10.3 (Donovan 2016). Additionally, according to a 2010 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 85% of those aged 14 to 17, 69% of 11-14 year olds, and 31% of kids aged 8-10 have cell phones. Furthermore, "99 percent of students [are] able to access the Internet outside of school" (Steeves 2014). How then can this technology not flood into the classroom? Also, is it not irresponsible of us, as educators, to not prepare students for the real world- where technology seems to be taking over? It is difficult to dispute the fact that technology should be in the classroom. Where the discussion begins, however, is when it comes to deciding how and what to implement in schools.
Here is what Ethan Dickens thinks:
What do you think about technology in the classroom? Let us know!
Donovan, Jay. "The Average Age for a Child Getting Their First Smartphone Is Now 10.3 years." TechCrunch. N.p., 19 May 2016. Web. 21 Nov. 2016.
Steeves, Valerie. (2014.) Young Canadians in a Wired World, Phase III: Life Online. Ottawa:MediaSmarts.
