The US spent on education technology about $55 billions in 2012, an outstanding number which roughly translates to more than $350 per student.
One would think that this amount of money would be accompanied by solid, foolproof technology management and implementation techniques which would ensure that indeed learners benefit from using iPads and other cutting-edge technology in the classroom.
This is far from true, once in a while a school will make the news, because of security breaches, abuse of off-limits web content and even incidents of theft. People are willing to invest in an education that’s technology-based, capable of pushing 21stcentury students ahead of the pack. But the surprising and rather disheartening reality is that even with grand-scale investments, educators and policy-makers do not invest enough in project management and planning to ensure technology would drive education ahead rather than impede it.
Image Credit: Naypong, FreeDigitalPhotos.Net
One of the reasons why the tabletification of education is failing to our dismay is that even though we include technology we forget to update education. This blatant incompatibility is the reason why we observe incidents of theft and breaching of device management software (so that students can access social media and other off-limits websites).
So what’s needed then for finally seeing a breakthrough in education?
1. Revision or Rebuilding of curriculum, setting literacy and skills standards that reflect modern-day marketplace demands. Emphasize for instance, computer skills and analytical thinking.
2. Allow students more leading roles, more responsibility equals better engagement
3. Invest in learning about technology. Both its strengths and its challenges. Teach students its implication for learning, society and the economy.
Why do you think, technology takes so long to be adopted in education settings?
Share Your Views