I think I'm out of the starting gate. I have been trying to edit my blog and it looks better. As for the ICT course, I still have questions.
Recently I attended a conference on the Middle School Initiative and the question of the use of technology was raised. The issue was how to use technology more in the classroom. Most teachers were quite eager to share examples of their use of technology. Indeed, the students themselves have driven this multi media into the school, whether we want it or not. A debate did arise as to how much technology should be used. Should it be curbed or embraced? Needless to say, each side presented valid points. The proponents against technology were not denying its impact and usefulness, but focused their concerns on the the availability of technology in some regions of the province. They argued that a growing reliance on teaching through the use of the various technologies was not possible to them because of the lack of infrastructure. In effect they relied on more traditional methods and were sceptical about the loss of human contact. These comments received applause from several pockets of listeners.
Of course the majority of attendees agreed that technology can only enhance learning and in many ways allows students to experience more of their environment. While I certainly see the application of technology as an exciting way of teaching while enabling teachers to address the need for differentiated instruction, some of the issues raised by the "anti-techs" did resonate with me. Is the reliance on technology harmful to social relationships critical to the teacher - student instruction, or is this simply a natural evolution into a brave new world.
