Three Things for Stakeholders

I recently attended a presentation by Dr. Scott McLeod regarding technology and education. Some of the comments that he made and the examples he gave caused me to think more critically about the role of technology in education. He didn't just advocate for more, but better and better usage for our situation. A couple of the points that I think should be made to stakeholders when advocating technology are derived from his comments so I want to give him the credit at the outset.

If we are to offer three points to our stakeholders about the need for technology in our schools, we can't get bogged down in details. The details are important, but the details are for reinforcing a position or looking at ways to implement the things that have already been decided. Besides being a little more general, I want to find points that will resonate with more than just one group. So here goes.

1. Technology is an accelerator for learning.

It doesn't replace the teacher. It doesn't mean that brick and mortar schools are no longer necessary. It doesn't mean that teachers can sit and do nothing while kids "play" on the computer. It does mean that if schools are going to keep up with the informational demands of today's society, we have to use the appropriate vehicle for the journey. If you are using a horse and buggy on an interstate- you aren't keeping up.

By the way, this accelerator isn't just for the students. Teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and anyone else even tangentially associated with education will need to embrace technology at the necessary levels to keep pace with the world outside education. 

This doesn't mean that buying the most expensive computer will solve all the problems. When we start talking about the details, we have to start with the question "what are we trying to do?" and from that choose the best technology within the means to answer that question.

2. We aren't ever going back to pen and paper.

This is a strong statement, but I think it is accurate. Will pen and paper go away totally? Probably  not soon, but do you see a  reasonable scenario that results in society going back to more pen and paper? When we realize this inevitability, the question of technology is no longer if but changes to how much and what kind. The details can be worked out and the results will probably not satisfy everyone but facing the same direction will start the process correctly.

3. No one has all the answers.

No one group of stakeholders completely understands the needs and desires or the comfort level of the other groups of stakeholders. In fact, I would venture to say that no one person within a group completely understands all of the other individuals within that group. The only way to get close to that understanding is through discourse. In order to get closer to the question above, "what are we trying to do?" the thoughts of as many people as possible are necessary. Government, parents, students, teachers, administrators, business owners and other community members all have slightly different expectations from the educational process and how technology can advance those expectations. If all groups realize that there is not a "right answer" but might be a "best approach" then the process can proceed with all stakeholders in mind.