Kim Frencken: Too much tech?

Are we using too much technology in our classrooms?

 Some probably think we aren't using enough, but I wonder if we're missing interaction with our kids for the sake of using multiple devices in the classroom. 

Don't get me wrong, I think there is a time and place for everything, including technology. There are some outstanding programs in use. Programs that engage and teach students. But we can't lose sight of the importance of human interaction. Of teachers, teaching kids. Of listening and learning from the inflection in a voice what is really being said. 

It's too easy to write and read emails. But we lose the nuances of communication on the written page. Now, that's rich coming from me. I actually prefer email in some cases. I think email provides a great paper trail. 

I think letters are a fantastic way of phrasing your words in just the right way. They let you erase the mistakes before they words have been said. A chance to correct. But teaching social interaction is equally as important.

I see so many using technology just to use technology. They have to incorporate it into the lesson so they stick in a video or chat link or digitized document. I've been there. And done that. And not been so proud of it. I was left wondering if there maybe wasn't a better way. 

Had I just been checking off a requirement? Or was I really using technology to enhance my lesson? 

In some cases, I'll never know. In others, I knew the minutes I observed my students interaction. Or lack of it. They were going through the motions, but not really diving in.

This doesn't mean that I'll abandon all uses of technology, but it does mean that I'll rethink how and when I use it.
(For more of Kim Frencken's writing and information about her educational products, check out her blog, Chocolate For the Teacher.)