Reigeluth and Postman Reflection

Reading and digesting the articles written by Reigeluth and Postman resulted in a stark difference of opinions. I both agree and disagree with each of them in some of their statements. My background and current teaching situation offers me to truly see the advantages and disadvantages of technology in the classroom. This school year, my administration implemented a BOYD (bring your own device) philosophy requiring all fourth through sixth graders to have a tablet of some sort and all seventh through twelfth graders to have a laptop of some sort. They were required to purchase them on their own. Every day they have to bring it and teachers are required to be using them a majority of the day.

When Postman discusses the idea of the "why" question behind things, I can relate. Just saying that we need to integrate technology necessitates more of an explanation. I completely relate to the fact that technology can be a "distraction" when it comes to students. I don’t believe they are mature enough to have the right amount of self-control to not play games, surf the internet, etc. In the same way, I agree with some of what Reigeluth is saying. "Technology is used to create methods that were previously not feasible" is a very true statement and we need to run with that idea. Technology has been fast in furious in its creation. Whenever we blink something newer and/or better has come on the market and we need to learn it.

The flip side of the coin is the idea that all students should "progress at different rates and pursue different goals at the same time" (Reigeluth). I understand the concept but what he fails to mention is the "how" of his theory. I would love to see an actual representation in practice of how this is done and what the benefits truly are. This is where I tend to agree with Postman in the matter of schools teaching children "how to learn and behave as part of a community." There is definitely something to be said about being in the presence of other students your own age, collaborating, discussion, interacting, and socializing while learning. I also agree with Postman when he states that children are suffering from "information glut". I see too many high school students not being able to process from all the information available to them. Sometimes simple research is hard for them to even get started on because they don’t know where to begin.

In conclusion, I believe that there is some combination of technology and classroom environment that is the right recipe for success. What that combination is, I have no idea. I believe that students need the interaction with teachers and peers as well as self-paced, self-directed learning utilizing a variety of tools and resources and assessments. One of the biggest hurdles is the way schools are under pressure for standardization and testing. There needs to be change from the top (government to state to local schools) down in order for change to occur effectively.