Reflecting concepts, hopes, beliefs and attitudes.

There is no doubt that technology drives change, achieves higher academic results and personalises learning (Smith & Throne, 2007). Our students are also innately multitaskers surrounding themselves in multiple devices and sources of information (Livingston, 2009), so using technology in the classroom is catering to their needs and wants.

Paul Saettler (1990) said "Computer information systems are not just objective recording devices. They also reflect concepts, hopes, beliefs, attitudes" (p. 539). I believe our "concepts, hopes, beliefs, and attitudes" are reflected in our current approach to educational technology through various ways. Using of technology in schools helps our students become lifelong learners with the skills to make informed choices, perform all tasks needed now and in the future using the skills they have learned in an educational setting.  The concepts taught at school will give a solid foundation for our students in the future so when a new concept is encountered they will have the past experience to help them conquer new challenges. Students of today are confident users of technology and they are often seeing a future using technology in their careers. They focus on the technology and skills that they will need for that future which helps them plan ahead.  Unlike older generations our students believe anything is possible and technology is no different.  Children do not fear they will “break” technology by playing with it.  They confidently discover many features of technology that most adults were unaware of. Therefore Paul Saettler was right computer information systems are much more than recording devices. They do reflect concepts, hopes, beliefs, attitudes of all users.