COLLOQUY Responses
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COLLOQUY Responses
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 Although the use of technology in schools, particularly high schools, is costly (purchasing, maintenance, upgrades, etc.), it may also be a category of tools which can lead students towards fulfilling learner outcomes or successful skills and knowledge being suggested by external educational stakeholders. Multi-media presentations, video productions, and graphics programs can capture the interest of the "already-techno-enhanced generation." Gifted students may find new outlets for their creativity, or may lead themselves out of boredom into new levels of knowledge. Underachievers may reaccess their motivation for learning, and improve their knowledge and skills. Preparation for the world of work is an easy gained from using technology. A caveat exists however, for instructors of students utilizing technology, whether it be computers, video cameras, digital cameras, or in-focus projectors and the like: teacher training in the use of technology as a meaningful teaching/learning tool is a must. Students need assistance in planning their learning, troubleshooting their equipment, supervision, guidance, instruction, and coaching when using equipment. Although it seems easy to believe that students know more about technology than most adults, it should be remembered that they also need to be assisted in developing responsibility as well as capability in a technical environment. Only recently, have schools been rudely awakened to the fact that there is but another consideration to student discipline systems -- technology crime. Students hacking into disciplinary and other confidential files is becoming a common offense on high school campuses. Other behaviors, such as students setting up their own mini e-mail systems within a school, occur; perhaps, from boredom, or maybe because they have learned well the lessons their instructors have taught them. In any case, there is much to consider when educational institutions utilize technology. I have limited my discussion to that of high schools. Higher education and the use of technology is quite another subject. I, personally, have found that, after a few years of "fear-of-technology," that I, now, as an educator and a doctoral student, am just as "hooked on tech" as other students. I can't wait for the next piece of software which will render me capable of completing another task more easily. And imagine how exhilarated I felt giving my first Power Point presentation. Are you kidding? Why didn't someone give me a laser pointer for Christmas?
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