These articles address a current educational trend that has many pros and cons. My family is in the midst of a "new way to educate". I enrolled my son into a on-line charter school in Zeeland, Iacademy. The theme for Iacademy is "Just Right Learning". The meaning behind this is that each student was tested, according to their academic ability, and placed into the "just right" course work. The past 2013-2014 school year was the institutions first year in operation. My son completed his 6th grade year through on-line learning. The school provides each student with a tablet that has a complete year of course work set up. Students were also given the opportunity to attend a couple days of week at the Learning Campus. This provided students an opportunity to meet with their learning coach or teachers to move ahead in their course work.
This model of education worked well for disciplined, attentive students.
However, the students who struggle with discipline and attention, became discouraged because they were falling behind and the course work was "boring". One of the repeated negative comments this year (at Iacademy) was "My child lost his/her love to learn".
Technology is an excellent tool to cater a student's education to their level. It can also be used to enhance an educational experience. As a science teacher, I have used videos for cell reproduction that are fascinating, far beyond what I could ever communicate in a class room. However, if my students were only on a computer completing their work they also miss the social interaction that occurs when a new concept is presented. This is a great time for collaboration and excitement. A good teacher can inspire and engage students. This is a downfall with technology. If you have a student that is struggling to pay attention or focus he/she may require a teacher that can hold a student's interest.
As Reigeluth addressed in his article, "there would be a greater leverage if we invest in finding ways that technology can transform the way we teach, ways that technology can allow us to teach that weren't feasible before".
Technology has allowed us as a civilization to accomplish and observe more than many thought possible. There is great potential within the realm of education to utilize this tool to its greatest extent. However, I have a hard time thinking that a quality educator, who has a love and passion for their subject and students could ever be "replaced" with a computer.
Moderation is key when we discuss technology in the use of education.
