Crunching Technology
There are few convincing arguments against the integration of technology into education. Most of the arguments are based on fear not fact. For example:
-Classroom interaction is imperative and can’t be replicated on a computer screen
-Students should learn to socialize without the internet
-Teachers are important for student development and success
-Students lose their imagination and spirituality with Digital Learning
(I’ll let you in on a secret…Digital learning actually enhances interaction, socialization, development, and imagination…not sure about spirituality… but, for what it’s worth, I don’t think technology prevents spirituality?)
Can I interest you in a dose of reality? The purpose of digital learning is actually NOT to turn students into anti-social tech zombies with no attention span. I know, shocking.
But, get this…The REAL purpose of digital learning is to make students more creative, to turn students into content creators, not just consumers, to encourage collaboration IRL (In Real Life) and through diverse digital mediums, to turn students into open-minded global citizens with constant and endless access to information and knowledge. It encourages critical thinking and provides diverse, individualized learning methods. It empowers students to ask for more. It gives them responsibility over their own education. Digital learning empowers teachers to become not only educators, but coaches and facilitators of learning as well.
When technology is used in the right way in the classroom, magic can happen.
The innovation that is possible with digital learning allows students to choose how they learn best. It exercises their minds to adapt to different methods, explanations, and mediums. Teachers who constantly innovate with digital learning engage students in higher level thinking and encourage open mindedness. They also address a broad spectrum of learning styles as well as encourage students to make the best use of 21st Century Skills.
Now if all that sounds like the diabolical creation of anti-social tech zombies with zero attention span to you, then bring on the zombie apocalypse! We’re ready.
Technology isn’t new. But it is rapidly being integrated into education. And new things can be scary. People resist change, especially when it comes to education, especially in America. But Digital Learning is something we should embrace. As all things inevitably change, one thing that stays the same is that students are the heart and soul of our society. They’re our present and our future. Everyone wants the same thing in that regard, for our students to be happy, successful citizens. The best way they can be, is for them to have access to all the tools, resources and support they can possibly have. Technology as part of a well-rounded education makes that access a reality!
MathCrunch is proud to be a part of the growing eco-system of educational apps. We’re proud to be at the helm of on-demand, mobile tutoring. We place the utmost importance on student success. We believe wholeheartedly that our app leads to student success and happiness.
We love what we do!
Tech+Ed=❤
