The Myth of the Magical Pill

There are many opinions about the effectiveness of educational technology to improve learning. Some believe that it doesn’t have an impact at all or that it is so minimal that we could do without it. Others believe that there is an EdTech tool out there that is going to solve all of our problems in education. Neither of these approaches is the correct approach when considering using technology to improve learning. The problem with both of these thoughts is that technology is at the heart of the process.

As an educational technologist, I always put education first and technology second. I also keep in mind the definition of educational technology as defined by The Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT).

“the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources”.

Educational Technology as defined by The Association for Educational Communications and Technology

If we take this definition into consideration, we can see that technology resources and processes are applied to assist learning. Learning and improved performance are the goals not the use of technology. Technology is not a magical pill that is going to cure all of our problems in our educational system. In a previous post, I wrote: “I agree to a certain point that technology is a part of the solution, but it is not a silver bullet or a magical pill that will cure schools of this “traditional approach” disease. Sometimes educational technology can be a Wolf in Sheeps Clothing. Especially if it is only used to technify out of date pedagogical practices. For example, taking the lecture and putting it on Nearpod, having students use Quizlet as their flashcards to study, or Kahoot to review content before a quiz or test. Technology being used in this way is not changing the learning environment except to give it an appearance of modernity and innovation. These practices do nothing for giving students a chance to work on a project that has real-world applications or give them a chance to come up with their own ways to solve problems. These methods do, however, support practice through exercises and repetition, memorization of facts and definitions, and good performance on tests. If technology is used in this way, nothing has changed and we are not preparing our students for the world they will enter.” As an educational technologist, I always want to ensure that student learning is at the center of everything I do. Therefore, high tech should only be used if it is going to improve what is being done or create a way to do something that isn’t possible without it. We must find a way to leverage the power of technology in a way that supports learning but doesn’t give up on good pedagogical practices from the past. A mashup of tools and approaches is what is needed. We also need to understand that certain approaches to teaching and learning are no longer enough for our world.

I am currently reading a great book, Vintage Innovation: Leveraging Retro Tools and Classic Ideas to Create Meaningful Learning, by John Spencer. In his book, John expresses the idea that it is mixing the old with the new that helps make a classroom environment that supports real learning.

I am also taking the Vintage Innovation Online Course. This course is a great stand-alone and also an addition to the book. One of the activities that I have enjoyed in this course was a part of the section on the 3 Myths of Future Learning. In this course, John asks us to create a sketch, here are his instructions: “The future is unpredictable. What was once a corporate ladder has now become a maze. For this assignment, you need to create a sketch of the skills students will need to navigate the maze. Your sketch doesn’t have to be pretty. However, it cannot have any words. It can have arrows, symbols, etc. It just can’t have words. Afterward, take a picture of the sketch and write a paragraph explaining it.” I wanted to share my sketch and explanation.

The following is my explanation: “This image depicts the learner in the center of the image surrounded by the skills needed to be prepared for the unknown future that awaits him/her. The 4Cs of Education (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity) are a part of these skills as depicted in the four main circles. While these skills are important for the daily tasks that this person will face they are not enough to create a person that will not only be successful but also contribute meaningfully to society. This is where the other symbols come into play. These symbols represent other characteristics needed to help the individual become the most effective human being possible in society. First, and foremost we must be honest as depicted by the man balancing weights. Honesty in our dealings with each other while we communicate and honest when we are collaborating. This honesty must extend outward but also reflect inward as well. Second, we must be caring as represented by the heart. If we truly care about what we are doing, the people we are working with, the problems that we are solving, the mindset that we have, we will be more productive and create better relationships. Third, we must have a service mindset, give a helping hand, as represented by the hand. When we are willing to serve others we are open to helping work together to build a better world. Service helps others and this is the source of true happiness. Finally, we must be empathetic, as represented by the shoe. When we walk in the path of others’ footsteps, we look at things through the eyes of others, we better understand why people think certain ways. This understanding is important to a society that needs people working together to make a difference. When we have all of these skills in place we have truly learned the skills of life-long learning and of creating meaningful relationships. It is through these skills that our students will become the most capable at contributing to an ever-advancing society.”

To help our students be prepared for the unknown we need to stop focusing on older systems that place content at the center and realize that curriculum needs to be adjusted as well as the approaches we take to “teach” the future generations. There are so many skills that are left as addons in our current academically focused school systems. Until we redefine our curriculum to focus on the skills needed for our students to be successful using content as a means to learn and practice the skills mentioned above technology in education will not have the desired outcome. Technology is not a magical pill. The best approach is one that is more holistic in nature, one that includes multiple tools and practices.

Thanks for reading

Dr. Shannon H. Doak