Journal Post #2 Benefits and Drawbacks of Technology

"The truth is that the face of K-12 education is in a constant state of change. Educators that have been in the field for several decades may notice that the speed at which changes in methodology and student population are taking place is on a high-speed course compared to the past. Many factors play into this but none as strongly as technological advancements. The Internet, wireless devices and improvements in communication all heighten the immediacy for information both within and without the classroom." (Matthew Lynch, Ed. D)

I agree one hundred percent that the face of education is constantly changing. Especially where technology is involved. I believe that it can be very beneficial, but hindering if not controlled. It is inevitable that children will be exposed and as the years progress be more technology savvy. In result of this, schools have to constantly find new ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. The internet, cell phones, eBooks,  are all great tools that can help students explore and gives them access to information that nobody ever thought possible. But just as Matthew Lynch points out, it is too soon to know if this generation of kids will be more successful and if technology really is as beneficial as many think it is.

While technology being introduced in schools can be very beneficial, it also has its drawbacks. Children have such easy access to so much information that was never available before. When utilized correctly it it great, but there is also a lot of junk out there. Based on my personal observations, I see that kids are losing their social skills. Students should be able to come to school and be social and know how to carry  on an educated discussion in the classroom, but instead all they can think about is social media. Although that can be a great tool, I feel like face to face and personal relationships with classmates need to be established. I also agree with Matthew Lynch that it does make it difficult to keep the students' attention. It is difficult enough, but when they have easy access to tablets or their phones that is what they are constantly talking about.

I feel like it is difficult to say if technology is one hundred percent beneficial or one hundred percent a drawback. At the moment it is a grey area for me. Once the younger generations start going into their careers and bringing their knowledge into the real world, then we will truly know what the results are to these constant changes. 

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Source

Lynch Ed. D, Matthew. K-12 Technology: Benefits and Drawbacks.08/27/2013