Technology as means to an end

By Ralph Tolbert, Educational Technology Consultant ()

This month's article centers around several quotes. The first is this: "Is learning really about answering questions or about asking even more? Kids are naturally curious so imagine what happens when the subjects they are studying come to life with photos, animations, audio clips, interactive maps and Web sites plus video. This is the way to have students succeed in class and beyond."

Are you one of the teachers that takes the time to master the technology skills necessary to understand how to design a lesson plan or curriculum objective that involves students and technology? If so, then you understand the first quote and you need not read the second quote in the following paragraph.

To paraphrase the quote, "Life is not the destination, but the paths we take to arrive at that final destination," I want to discuss how "The use of technology is not the goal, but the processes we learn to use in creating the final product."

Do you hesitate to commit your class time to projects involving technology because you feel that the end result does not justify the amount of time required? For example, a group of fifth graders wants to learn how to make a PowerPoint presentation and the preparation, instruction, practice and project time will take more than ten hours.

Now, examine not the technology goal but the processes used in their PowerPoint show. The group has to organize and decide who is responsible for each section. A timeline has to be established, with each student relying on the efforts of the team members. New communication skills must be employed, both visual and written, for the major points as outlined in the show. Computer skills must be used to search for information and resources to validate their information. A logical sequence has to be followed in presenting information. Data must be collected and put into charts and graphics to create a visual comparison of the information. The slide show must be presented to an audience that will judge their results, and of course this presentation requires public speaking skills.

So, the next time students ask if they can use technology in their next class assignment, think of the processes they will be using and not just the final result.

As a final comment, it may seem improbable for a Macintosh fan but the first quote appears in a MicroSoft ad.