What’s up with educational technology anyways?

Dave McDivitt has a really good post about his opinion of educational technology.  I think the most salient idea is the confusion in teacher preparation.

I think the mix up comes in when we look at teacher use of technology and teacher educational use of technology.

It’s one thing to know how to email, search the web, type up a newsletter, and use powerpoint.  But it’s an entirely different matter to effectively use that technology to strengthen, deepen and broaden student learning. 

It’s an important discernment.

How can we best use powerpoint to make a point?  Or perhaps a better question, how can our students best use powerpoint? I note Maine has recently renewed their commitment with Apple computer to put a laptop on every kids desk. I think this is the type of action needed to make a difference…the kids need to be using technology as a primary learning tool

As Apple Matters says:

“...Dr. Muir makes one other point, though, that bears repeating. He looked at technology initiatives that focused on hardware and software and found no impact on achievement and engagement. He compared this to initiatives that emphasized teaching and learning. These types of initiatives were the successful ones…”