technology myths

Technologyin EducationMyths

New ways for doing the same old thing

Myth #1

Using technology involves the student in the learning process.

Students using technology become active

participants in the learning process instead of

passive listeners.

Technology doesn’t do this. Good teaching does this.

Technology often makes this easier to do and leverages student interests but ask anyone who’s had to sit

through a two hour Powerpoint if the technology engaged them in the learning

process.

Myth #2

Using technology eliminates most discipline problems. When the student is involved in the work, there is little time for trouble.

Technology does nothing to eliminate discipline problems. Technology does, once

again, help you design engaging lessons which can decrease discipline problems but

not because of technology.

Myth #3

Using technology allows students to take ownership of the project.

A well designed lesson gives students ownership. It’s not about the technology, it’s about the ownership.

Myth #4

Using technology transforms the teacher from authority expert to facilitator. The teacher becomes more of a participant when the students use technology to find

answers online.

Myth #4

Using technology transforms the teacher from authority expert to facilitator. The teacher becomes more of a participant when the students use technology to find

answers online.

No, but changing your teaching style to take advantages of the increased

access the web gives you might transform a teacher but it’s a change in mindset not in technology usage

No, but changing your teaching style to take advantages of the increased

access the web gives you might transform a teacher but it’s a change in mindset not in technology usage

Myth #5Technology use is part of the normal learning

process for students; it is in their “comfort zone.”

Myth #5Technology use is part of the normal learning

process for students; it is in their “comfort zone.”

True, but do teachers keep up?True, but do teachers keep up?

Myth #6

Using technology reduces the workload on the teacher.

Myth #6

Using technology reduces the workload on the teacher.

Great for collaboration, preparing for next year, chores like grading, data

Great for collaboration, preparing for next year, chores like grading, data

Myth #7

Technology is used everywhere - in math, science, engineering, transportation, manufacturing, and every business

application you can think of.

I agree with this with the caveat that technology is used in relevant and real

world ways. That’s certainly not always the case in schools.

Myth #8

Using technology allows for the free exchange of information.

Very true…but schools usually block this

All ideas from www.bionicteaching.com