Article Summary: Technology in Education: What Teachers Should Know

De Bruyckere, P., Kirschner, P. A., & Hulshof, C. D. (2016). Technology in Education: What Teachers Should Know. American Educator, 40(1), 12-18,.

Technology in Education: What Teachers Should Know

By: De Bruycekere, Pedro; Kirschner, Paul A., Hulshof, Casper D.

         This article is framed using 5 myths in order to illustrate it's points. The Myths are, as they point out in the article, fallacys that people say that to shine a negative light on technology. The article goes though each of these myths and discusses their merits, as well as arguments that can work against them. 

Myth #1: New Technology is causing a revolution in America

The article counters this myth with the fact that pedagogy (or how someone teaches) is more important than the technology used to do the teaching. Technology is the tool with which to do the teaching, but just like any tool, it is only as useful as the wielder. The hypothesis with which the authors operate is Method, not media. In one experiment, a class was given the same information, but half of the class used desktop computers with simple long lessons. The other group got tablets with the info broke up into segments. The group with the tablets was more willing to learn, but the tech only had the difference in ease of use. The article concludes that this myth is just that, technology is a tool, not a revolution. 

Myth #2: The internet belongs in the classroom, because it is part of the world the children live in

This myth is explored first through a Canadian survey of students. More students preferred using traditional methods of learning. Methods such as books. Many students prefer actual learning while using technological supplements. More of the students would much rather use paper over e readers. Which was a shock to the authors of this article. 

Myth #3: Today's digital natives are a new generation who want a new style of learning

This myth first explores the term "Digital Native" which the authors are quick to point out, is a term that should no longer be used. This term does not apply because of the fact that while people are growing up with technology, they are not born with innate technological prowess. Thy are quick to point out that this generation uses phones, google, Wikipedia, etc; however this generation does not have anything more than a shallow knowledge of technology. This myth is concluded with the fact that there is no such thing as "Digital Natives" and that while this generation is surrounded by technology, they are not born with perfect technological knowledge. 

Myth #4: The internet makes us dumber

The myth opens with James Flynn and his Flynn effect. This is the idea that technology has increased the average IQ scores of america since the true inception of it. The authors talk about the likelihood that IQ scores have risen, not because of technology, but instead of teachers using their time to teach to the test. There is no scientific proof that technology has increased IQ scores. The myth that the internet is making us, and our students, dumber through "re-wiring" our brain is ludicrous. Neuro-scientists  have noted that it is not possible to "re-wire" the brain with Facebook and our phones. It is noted that our students are having too much screen time, and it is having a negative effect on their school lives. In school they are having school issues, attention issues, obesity, and sleep disorders. With added screen time in class are we adding to their problems? 

Myth #5: Young people don't read anymore

First and foremost, yes they do. Reader's digest published a survey that said 1/5 children hardly read, 1/3 don't read, and 1/20 children have never picked up a book. While this survey has been discredited, it is still worrisome to some people. Another study was published by PISA that says, 2/3 students read every day for fun, which is a much more heartening read. The authors talked about how students from higher socioeconomic status read much more (77.7%) than those in lower SES (24.5%). Overall it seems that plenty of our students are reading for fun even with all of the technology we have now. 

The big conclusion that this article has is that of ignorance. These myths are clearly refuted, and easily, but people still believe them. Why? Well the it has to be that there is ignorance out there and people need to be better at discerning the truth. Teachers especially need to be scientific with their classroom. We need to make sure that we are all utilizing the resources we have. I can summarize this article into 2 key points:

1. Be critical - utilize research to use data driven strategies into our classroom

2. Technology is only a tool - use it, but don't let it make you lazy

This article is a good read, and it make a lot of good points. I will be sure to use it in my classroom. I will be critical of my teaching style to be sure not let myself get complacent and to be sure to challenge my students using technology and practical things as well. We must also be knowledgeable consumers of technology. The article ends with a few tips for teachers

1. Images are great with text, but not a substitution

2. Use relevant material

3. Speak the reading rather than just having them read it

4. Small chunks of material are better than long segments

5. Allow learners to alter, review, and rewind their material to enhance learning.  

In conclusion, technology is a benefit, as well as a down fall, but not in the way these myths are highlighting. Technology is a tool to be used, and you must use it in the classroom well.