Gadgets Galore -- Reflecting on What I Know #2

     In my lifetime, technology has been practically introduced (at least as far as a personal computer goes) and has evolved every day, or so it seems. I can't even keep up with what the latest smart phone is. By the time I am ready for an "upgrade" my phone is considered OLD SCHOOL! I am afraid to go to Best Buy and look at the latest computer models. My poor little ol' laptop might get its feelers hurt. As time moves forward, the world of technology continues to advance. As far as education goes, this raises quite a few concerns for teachers.
     With so many different types of technology and with the way that they change so quickly, it is easy for teachers to think to themselves, "It's no use. I can't keep up. Why even try to learn to use a piece of technology if I'm just going to wake up tomorrow and have to learn the even newer version of it?" I can see how and why this weighs on the shoulders of educators. Looking at the bright side, most of the "new" technology either works with or as a part of the "old" technology. Updated media players, cameras, calculators, whiteboards, printers, etc. (in most cases) work with the same old computer that has been in the classroom for two years now. These new devices simply enhance what is already there. Even if this isn't the case, learn to use the technology you have because it is still effective even if it is outdated. Yes, I believe that students need to be as up-to-date as possible when it comes to them moving into the workplace; however, schools can only move so fast when it comes to expensive technology. Learning to use one piece of technology might cover you for many years. Even better, most technological pieces basically run the same way. If you learn to use one operating system, you at least have some idea of how to use the next. Word to the wise, there is always at least one student who either already knows how to use something with expertise or can figure it out in half the time you can -- use the resources you have!
     So now you are saying, "Okay, I can see why we should learn to use the technology we have even if it moves faster than us, BUT why do we have to use things that accomplish the same tasks?" The most popular case would be the use of computers and smart phones. After all, a smart phone is just a tiny, hand-held computer, right? We can add to that list tablets, personal response systems, even calculators -- after all, a computer has a calculator built right into it. So, let's look at some of the pro's of using these mobile devices in addition to the computers in your classroom.

• So, obviously, they are portable. Portable is, 9 times out of 10, an item of convenience. Students can move about the classroom, the school, or even from school to home with these mobile devices. 
• Have you compared prices lately? Mobile devices are very often a good bit more cost effective than the all-in-one computer systems. 
• Mobile devices use far less power than laptops or desktop computers.
• How many teachers out there have enough storage space? I know I'm not raising my hand! Smaller, mobile devices can more easily be stored and/or put away than large computer systems.

The list can go on and on. In today's world of technology we need to use every piece of equipment we can get our hands on. Plus, why not introduce some new gadget to hold the kiddos attention, even if it doesn't do a single thing different than the last hot item?

     So here's another question (and this one's a biggie!) How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are limited in number and scope? I think that Richard Culatta, the director of the Office of Educational Technology in the United States Department of Education, answered that question in one sentence in a recent letter written to encourage federal funding to take initiative in providing technology to school systems. The letter's opening sentence states, "Technology can help transform learning when used with innovative instructional approaches [...]" (Culatta). This answer is just that simple -- the cost of technological devices is nothing when compared to the cost of our children's education. Knowing that technology greatly enhances such education makes the cost much less of a factor. Training teachers to use technology in the most effective way is the first factor in transforming our classrooms and providing the technology necessary for our students to succeed in this 21st century is the next.

Culatta, Richard. Letter to Colleague. 5 Feb. 2014. EdBlogs. Department of Education, n.d. Web. 23 June 2014.

Morrison, Gary R., and Deborah L. Lowther. "Chapter 3 Digital Tools in Today's Classrooms." Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom: Skills for the 21st Century. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2010. 57-90. Print.