Current Culture
The lesson states we as a society (this includes our students) have become too dependent on technology and governmental involvement...I couldn't agree more.
We are too dependent on technology and I fear this will come back to bite us where it really will hurt.
We want to throw out the pen and paper and now have everything 'online' or electronically uploaded. This is going to be a problem in the future!!! Students coming into college at the age of 18 do not know how to write in cursive writing--but whose fault is that? It is the educators'. We have failed to teach them writing because now we can use an I-pad or some other form of machinery.
I firmly believe until we as educators say 'hey wait a minute' then we will continue to support a system that depends entirely on technology. I believe that technology is going to let you down when you need it the most...it happens ALL the time. But as long as we remain in this mindset, we are seriously hurting young and upcoming learners...eventually they'll look at a pencil and say, 'what's that for." Only until we decide that we must keep the 'old-fashioned' means of writing out our thoughts, then we are doing a total disservice to every student we encounter. Personally, I think we should not allow this. We will suffer for it--watch and see....
Vallorie,
Thank you for these comments. They reflect the feelings and observations of many educators throughout the country. Technology is a tool and not a replacement for critical thinking and/or problem solving. I believe as you that we still need to help our students acquire a foundation of basic skills, such as writing so they can communicate clear and concise ideas and potential solutions to problems they face in their work settings.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As we see students coming thru our classes over the years, I see a large decline on homework assignments being turned in that involve actual reading and reserch, answering questions that take actual critical thinking and not looking up information off the internet.
They rather get an 0 for the assignment then litterally hit the books.
Norma,
I have observed this as well. Yet, when they get out into the work world and they are not successful because they cannot think critically or problem solve they don't seem to understand the reason why. They aren't able to problem solve their own problem.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I partly agree and disagree with the statement. There is great value in technology. I don't believe that we need to make either of them obsolete but use them in conjunction with one another. Technology helps us keep better record and is more efficient than large notebooks. Assuming technology will always fail you is like assuming all your paper work will be burned in a fire. In either event out critical thinking skills will be called upon. It's like horse and buggy verses car. The car is now our standard. I believe things will progress in this direction.
Lindsey,
Good analysis and good comments in relation to successfully surviving in today's complex world.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
How often do any of us write anymore....outside of our name, we do everything on a computer these days. While some may fight the technology battle I think the computer won the war.
Edward,
Interesting observation and something that is still unfolding as more and more technology enters our daily lives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
