When to use technology

    Technology has allowed us to do things that were previously impossible. It is no surprise then that people are interested in using it in the classroom. Khan Academy has helped millions of students learn difficult concepts and apps like Anki make memorizing large amounts of information easy. However, it is important to consider that integrating technology into a classroom can cost money, and not all products are useful.

    The Ed-Tech field is growing faster than ever, and many company's are getting rich of it. There is nothing wrong with this, but everyone in charge of procurement needs to be cognizant of the fact that the companies exist to sell you products, not to decide what your classroom needs. When I was in sixth grade, my district started to purchase smartboards. These are interesting but expensive pieces of technology that allow teachers to combine aspects of a whiteboard and a computer. The problem was, nobody knew what to do with them. At best, teachers used them like a normal whiteboard that they could sometimes project videos on to, at worst, technical issues brought lessons to a halt.

    Many classrooms have used smartboards to great effect, so why did my teachers seem to struggle with them so much? Computer literacy was certainly a factor, but I believe them main reason is that the district bought the boards because they thought it could enhance the learning environment in cool ways without considering what problems it would actually solve. The question should not be "what cool technologies can use in the classroom", but "What am I trying to accomplish, and what tools will help me do that".

    Don't get me wrong, looking at new and exciting technologies and seeing how teachers are using it in the classroom are great ideas. However, before making the plunge on a massive purchase, consider how that technology will allow you to accomplish your specific goals, and if the same thing can be achieved in a cheaper manner. Ultimately, educational technology is a means to an end, educating your students.