The Effects of Technology on Educational Theory and Practice: A 20-Year Perspective

Stefani Wiest

ET-New Trends

IL-Media Literacy

Allen, D. W. (2003). The Effects of Technology on Educational Theory and Practice: A 20-Year Perspective. Computers In The Schools, 20(1/2), 49.

Summary: With the introduction of new technologies into the school setting, the effects of learning strategies introduce both pros and cons to student learning. Technologies are now often used to manage the process of education, but there is often a lack of technological understanding. The use and availability of this technology is not only important within the school, but also outside school doors. According to the authors, technology has dramatically expanded the options for teaching and learning in and out of the classroom. On the other hand, many teachers remain untrained as how to explore the possibilities of computer technologies. Schools also need to find ways to make access easy, comfortable and legal for teachers and students. The article points out that the concept of a self-contained teacher is now obsolete. To increase teacher knowledge of technologies, some schools have introduced programs, such as student tech teams. The authors identify both pro and cons to this approach. Another barrier to effective use of technology is the difficulty for teachers to understand copyright protection laws when using information from the Internet. Also, there is uneven access for students to use computer technology. Because of this some students will enter college with a vast knowledge of computers and technological access while others will have very little experience or understanding.

Evaluation: This article identifies many of the pitfalls regarding access and the understanding of technology now widely used in schools. Although there is a tremendous potential for learning with the use of technology in schools, many of the barriers need to be addressed for technology to be a useful learning tool. Because of the newness of providing students with school computers and the introduction of 21^st century skills, education is transitioning into new learning models and behaviors. Students not only need to overcome these barriers but the teaching staff as well.