One of my colleague's 7th grader had a school product where she needed to ask some adults about current trends in education. So I found her questions in my inbox this morning. I thought I'd share her questions and my responses. Here are "Katie"'s questions:

1. What kind of advantages and disadvantages come with implementing technology (Chromebooks, iPads, etc.) into education? I also have a follow up question: Through this technology, is it better to allow students to communicate with each other or not?

2. What can come of relying on today’s technology (more specifically, social media), and is it more helpful or unhelpful to the youth?



My answers:

Hi Katie! Thank you for asking me your questions!

Overall, I think increased amounts of technology and peer-to-peer or student to teacher communication is a good thing but it must be tempered with an understanding that not all information is useful or legitimate knowledge. Access to the Internet has now become critically important in the way we communicate but it must not be viewed as the be-all, end-all. Just because something is "information" on the Internet, ranging from something on a website to a posting on social media, doesn't mean it is the "truth". The Internet is also not a good provider of placing something in context or where something fits in among various scales. Students must keep in mind that answers to questions, especially important ones, often need multiple sources, multiple view points, and be seen through multiple scales. Just because something isn't on the Internet doesn't mean its not useful or meaningful and vice versa. Combinations of both traditional ways of learning and acquiring knowledge along with new and advancing technology are probably important for a well-rounded education. Never let the machines and/or other people do all the thinking for you.

As for increased peer-to-peer or student to teacher communication, I also think this is a good trend but again it must be tempered with some sort of structure or chaos may occur. Some people may be able to learn under any situation but others may find unlimited peer-to-peer communication not structured enough to retain important material. Just because social media can be used in an educational situation doesn't mean it should be used in all occasions. All powerful tools must have some sort of "best ways" of usage, although this may change from situation to situation. Only through experimentation and continued review can such practices be judged worthy for a specific educational venue.

I hope this helps and good luck on your exercise!!