TECH 560 #1>Technology in the classroom

The question we are considering this week is "What is the proper role of technology in education?" After reviewing my philosophy of education paper and considering our discussion last week in class, I realize that I locate myself in the middle re: technology and it's use in the classroom. By this I mean to say that the use of a computer in the classroom is as a sophisticated tool by which students and teachers are able to access, input, and manipulate ideas, data, and information in an expedient manner heretofore unimagined as little as 30 years ago. This capability does not automatically result in increased knowledge and understanding. Rather, it raises the potential for expanded understanding when considered in the appropriate context. For example, as a prospective art teacher I look forward to showing a power point presentation re: the work of Marcel Duchamp and how he has influenced Art and subsequent generations of artists. While the information I share is, for all intents and purposes, "a click away," that information in itself will not "live" unless their is a dynamic of relational learning. This learning is dependent upon the expertise and insight of the teacher in practice (which isn't to say that as adults we are unable to 'teach ourselves' in various ways using modern technology--I am arguing in the context of educating young minds in the most appropriate and effective manner).

John Dewey's ideas about a progressive education that combines the learning of theory with practical hands on knowledge is the basis of my pedagogy. Art truly encompasses history, theory, philosophy, culture, craft, physical manipulation and coordination etc. Technology has become an integral part in not only making art, but in making the history of art come alive in the incredible ability we have to access, via computers, this history. In sum, I feel fortunate to be living at a time when this is possible. However, we must remember that a tool is only the means by which a house can be built.