I'm sure you've heard about the Jeopardy shows where the nation's two best players competed against the IBM super-smart computer, Watson.  Watson won.  And won big.  And now the rest of us are left wondering what the implications are for our society; a society where we are out-smarted by the machines we have invented.  If Watson can understand, process, and respond to all the fine nuances of our language and has untold amounts of data storage, is there anything it can't do?

Not to get all sci-fi on you, but does anyone else think it is a little unnerving?  Watson is probably not going to go rogue and try to take over the world but we humans are supposed to be at the top of smarty pants pyramid, aren't we?  Who does this computer think he is?  I suppose there is consolation in that if Watson gets too big for his britches he can always be unplugged.  Ha!  Take that!

On the plus side, if computer programers can teach a machine to understand the finer nuances of language, they may be able to develop a translation software that actually works. To this point there isn't a translation program that can accurately translate difficult sayings, expressions, and idiomatic phrases.  But maybe Watson, or someone like him, could. 

 

We all know that technology is here to stay, though you may not recognize its form or function tomorrow.  Students have become so enamored with their personal devices and the distraction they provide, many concerned adults are wondering how to stop the trend of a technology-dominated society.  It's true we are a society that is stuck between two worlds: one where technology is used to assist daily life, and one where technonlogy dominates daily life.  And our students are on the front lines.  To read more on this issue, click on this link.

Some folks take the approach of "woe is me, whatever can I do to prevent my kids from being taken over".  This helpless, passive attitude will end with students staying up all hours of the night on the internet, posting inappropriate information on public sites, and being drawn away from the work that awaits them.  Technology, like all things, must be used in moderation.  Of course, I write this from my laptop while using our broadband service!

Other folks would go the other way and take themselves "off the grid" entirely.  They would prefer to abstain from all forms of technology to avoid being sucked in to any time-consuming habits. 

While I understand both opinions, it is necessary that we understand how to use technology efficiently and effectively, so getting rid of it completely is not an option.  However, it does require some heavy monitoring and rule-setting. 

Now, before you get your hopes up, I'm not talking about TV remote controls.  This blog is about a different kind of clicker.  One that is showing up all over the country in middle and high school classrooms and on college campuses.  This clicker is used by students during class to register attendance, instructor lead questions, and more.  These hand-held devices are simplistic in function, you can only use them for the purpose of the classroom, you can't surf the web or check email on them.  But that is part of the beauty and success of it!  Read this article in the New York Times for more details.

Of course, there can't be new technology or technique introduced without new debate.  This one centers on the college student's percieved invasion of rights--you know the ones that guarantee college students the right to skip class and/or sleep their way through lecutures.  Apparently, these little clickers make the skipping and slacking less possible and--what a pity--makes the college student more responsible! 

Instructors can more closely monitor attendance in a large lecture hall where before it was nearly impossible.  They can easily administer quizzes without having to grade hundreds of individual papers.  These clickers actually help the students do what they are in college to do--learn!  For those who resent them: (instuctors or students) check your motivation.  Maybe it's not the clicker you resent but the rationale behind them.

According to the New York Times online courses for resident students is on the rise at college campuses across the country.  Students who have opted to physically move their residence to a college dorm room or apartment are now seeing an increase in the number of classes taught in an online-only format.  The reason for this change varies but a common thread seems to be financial issues.  In an effort to save money, classes are consolidated and students are expected to attend "online" instead of in person. 

As a parent, my first concern would be with quality.  Is an online lecture really as effective as one you attend in person?  My second concern, as the one who pays the bills, would be 'are we getting our money's worth?'  Why am I paying for my child to live on campus when they are taking a large portion of their classes online?  Wouldn't it be more cost effective if they lived at home instead?  And I'm sure this complaint has been made and heard. 

My experience with online college courses is limited to one experience ten years ago.  I know that the technology and delivery methods have changed since then but I still have my doubts about the overall effectiveness and experience for students.  I completed an online course though I gained little from it.  It felt disjointed and disconnected.  I think it really goes back to learning styles as to whether or not online learning works for you.  Regardless of how you feel about online learning, the question is are you getting your money's worth and are you really learning what you need to learn?

Technology or Teachers?  That is the question facing many schools facing difficult financial situations.  'Do we adjust our budget to focus on the personal aspect of learning by hiring more teachers or do we pursue the newest technology that may just be the answer to our academic deficit?'  Questions similar to this one are floating around school districts across the country.  In my mind teachers, in human form, will never be obselete.  I cannot concieve of a day when it will no longer be necessary to employ real people to teach the next generation of students.  But there are those who can and do imagine a day when technology will dictate the education of every student.  An article in New York Times comes at this topic from a slightly different angle, click here to read. 

Education is a purely human institution.  People are essential to the transfer of knowledge.  Computers and other technological developments can assist with the transfer but they cannot serve as the originator or receptor without human influence.  This may sound like an unnecessary thought to express but with the speed and sheer amount of development that is occuring to replace the essential nature of teachers, I think we are obligated to recognize the limitedness of technology.

Teachers, too, need to be reminded of this.  Our jobs are highly personal.  Every student, lesson, class, and situation is different because in the education equation people must always be treated as variables.  We cannot expect that because lesson A goes well for group A that the same lesson delivered in the same way will be successful with group B, this is a mechanical way of thinking.  Teachers must remember to see the students as people and not just potential test scores. 

I am not a technology expert by any stretch of the imagination but I do enjoy using tools that truly simplify my life.  In the classroom, I really enjoyed using the SMART board technology when it suited the lesson.  At home, I love being able to download episodes of my favorite television shows sans commercials.  So as I read through an article in the New York Times about the SmartPen, I thought of the legitimate uses a student might enjoy.  And the list was impressive.

Students are not known for their ability to multitask or focus during distractions.  With this little piece of technology, however, students are able to capture hand-written notes as well as lecture notes simultaneously.  We've all seen or experienced first hand the professor who writes his lecture notes with one hand while erasing with the other while speaking uninterrupted on the topic in detail.  Frantic students struggle to retain even a portion of the disseminated information in an environment like that.  With the Smartpen, however, the student can focus solely on capturing the written word while the pen captures the spoken word. 

The author of the article in the Times suggested that this piece of technology actually will help educators maintain the focus and attention of their students because, unlike with laptops or other portable devices, this little gem is designed specifically for note taking.  Although some would see that as a limiting factor, it actually helps sell the product in my mind.  If the manufacturers are focusing on one purpose that means that they can afford to spend ample time prefecting its use.  According to the article the SmartPen works and works well. 

Artificial intelligence used to be the stuff dreams were made of...and movies.  But today's technological advances are making those dreams a reality.  According to the New York Times, developers are expanding the reaches and uses of technology everyday.  Click here to read about specific advances in the speech recognition field.  As the speech recognition technology continues to develop one wonders what the impact and implications are for education and training sectors. 

You've heard of the virtual classroom.  But what about the artificial teacher?  Will this developing technology eventually replace or partner with the live and in-person educator?  Sure, the design is limited, right now but that is changing daily.  Will this speech recongition technology allow for some freedom in the classrooms? 

As noted in the article, it is already being used to help evaluate patients, take care of receptionist's duties, and many other tasks.  The possibilities are endless.  But so may be the frustrations.  As we have all experienced the frustrations of dealing with an automated phone system, imagine what it could mean for education.  As educators know the value of adapting on the fly, will this technology ever be able to keep up?  It is interesting to consider and dream about.

An article in the Washington Post essentially poses this question: do the technology gadgets being used and promoted in schools across the country increase student achievement?  The answer: not so clear.  The article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/10/AR2010061005522.html) focused mainly on the device known in education as the SMART board which is the brand name for an interactive whiteboard.  School districts everywhere are purchasing these products, encouraging teachers to implement them, and waiting anxiously for test scores to go up.

Some folks argue that our students are bombarded with media stimulation from an early age and the typical, non-wired classroom is just too sedate for them; it can’t hold their attention.  Others argue that whiteboards are just a 21st century term for a 19th century concept; teacher in front with chalkboard handy while students listen intently.  I would suggest that the reality is somewhere in the middle.

While our students do experience a great deal of visual stimulation, from hand-held video games, to laptops, to cell phones, etc, I would argue that a live version can be immensely more captivating than a computer generated one.  Teacher’s whose lessons are infused with energy, depth, challenge, and meaning will be able to hold their students attention no matter what.  I think technology and innovation do have their place in the classroom but educators of all levels must remember that a device cannot replace nor do the job of a good teacher.  Teachers who use the whiteboard in the same manner and method they would use the blackboard have missed the point.  It is interactive for a reason.  Not so that the teacher alone can experience that interaction but so that students can enjoy some level of engagement through the use of this device.  As with all technology, to force educators to incorporate specific tools that are not relevant to the lesson is to subtract from the educators effectiveness.  Educators must continually evaluate if what there are doing or using is adding or subtracting to the student’s learning experience and achievement.

The unveiling of Apple's latest creation certainly brings with it excitement and hype.  Tech experts have been speculating for months as to the form and abilities of the secret creation.  Well, speculate no more.  According to the Washington Post, the iPad was introduced recently and will be available for purchase by late March. According to the article, the iPad, though larger than the iPod Touch, is a mid-sized personal device.  Reportedly the dimensions are similar to that of a piece of paper, though thicker and heavier.  The iPad is a touch sensitive device.  This newest creation may be a solution to getting technology, for relevant educational purposes, into the hands of children across the nation.  The device is small enough and the price is reasonable enough that students may be able to gain access to use for educational purposes.  This newest technology may help bridge the gap between the have's and the have not's.

The Washington Post is reporting on the trouble with teens and technology.  It comes as no surprise to anyone who know a teenager that technology is, for them, a type of addiction.  Teens seem to have an extra appendage, be it an iPod, Ninentendo DS, cell phone, or other.  Everyone has one....or two for that matter. According to this article, the use of this type of technology among teens and tween is on the rise, if you can beleive it.  Teens, who reportedly, are spending hours upon hours on the computer are neglecting their studies and grades are suffering.  While technology typically facilitates the accomplishment of a goal, here we see it preventing students from achieving their full potential.  Parents are advised to keep technology devices in open spaces in the home where activity can be monitored and limited.  My kids aren't tweens yet, but already I must regulate the amount of time they spend playing the Wii and watching movies.  Of course, the kids put up a fuss but if I didn't limit their time they would play every waking moment, literally.  Like most things, technology is great in moderation.