There is a pervasive myth going around about educational technology. I’ve even said it myself and, in some cases, it can be true. But this is the exception and not the rule. Tell me if you’ve heard this one: technology makes your job easier and allows you to “work smarter, not harder.”
Clearly, the originator of this gem never used a Microsoft product, never attempted to navigate sporadic filtering, and never experienced a 404 error. (The list could go on, obviously.) While there are several examples of areas where technology makes your life easier, I think you’re hard-pressed to say that, especially in education, it is overall a simpler process.
Worksheets are easier than webquests. Lecture is easier than multimedia projects. Pencil and paper is easier than blogging or creating a wiki. “Sit down and shut up” is easier than Skype. Management is easier than creativity.
Technology doesn’t always mean less work. Many times it actually means more work. The difference is that technology facilitates work that matters. Work that is relevant, powerful, and effective. The extra effort of facilitating online discussion in a class forum is worth it. Spending hours building out web pages that students can learn from and interact with is worth it. Connecting students in one location to students in another is worth it. Engagement is worth it.
Students are worth it.
