Is technology a waste of time? - Greg Whitby

Greg Whitby makes some valid points and technology could be seen as a waste of time because:

1.      devices have a short lifecycle

2.      software and apps are the future

3.      teachers need to focus on the nature and quality of the learning

4.      good teachers need to equip their learners to be socially critical and participate in society

5.      contemporary learning is the main game or the central issue.

The message I believe Greg is trying to portray is we should not get bogged down in the purchase and maintenance of hardware because all we need is the software and the apps to deliver contemporary learning. Also most children have access to a mobile phone, iPad or tablet. All of these devices are mobile and can link into the wireless networks of our schools so the software and the apps could be available to every student on a handheld device.  If we take the focus away from the device teachers can get on with delivering quality learning that is student centred.

While I agree with him in principle I think it would be difficult to stop wasting time on purchasing and maintaining technology unless your school had a BYOD policy.  Most teachers do not have to waste time purchasing and maintaining the hardware, software and apps as they are usually handled by either an eLearner or a Technical Officer at their school.  However teachers could waste a lot of time researching and understanding the technology they want their children to use.

We focus on technology for a number of reasons.

1.      Equality – All children have access to the same hardware.

2.      Convenience – All software and apps are loaded onto school purchased devices.

3.      Promotion – Prospective families (enrolments) may be impressed by the quantity of devices your school owns.