teotwawki - looking to the future

I just read a very interesting editorial in this month’s T.H.E. Journal.  Jeff Weinstock explains how “for new technologies to be successfully integrated into schools, we must first fix the users, not the tools”.  After reading his editorial, it became clear.  In education, we are so quick to ban the tools instead of doing what we are meant to do, teach the user. 

I am in the midst of taking an online course on Web 2.0 tools.  Many of the class participants are expressing frustration with many schools blocking tools for instruction, such  as wikis, blogs and social bookmarking sites.  Educators are afraid of misuse and misconduct while using any type of tool where the slightest bit of control is taken away.  Unfortunately, in the 21st Century, more and more options are readily available with electronic devices and online technologies that maintaining control is almost impossible.  If you block one aspect, students are smart enough to go around the block and find another way in.  Instead of just teaching and modeling appropriate behaviors, we are taunting the technologically savvy student to find a way around the system.  We are entering into a new realm where technology leads the way.  Educators need to focus more on teaching what is socially acceptable instead of the quick fix, which is to ban the tool.  

As the world advances into the 21st Century, educators have to constantly be aware of what changes are taking place.  Many students in this era have cell phones, pda’s, laptops, ipods, psp’s and various other gadgets available to them.  The question for educators is do we fight this gadget war and deny these tools in schools or welcome them  with open arms taking advantage of the technology these toys have to offer.  Many school administrators feel there is more harm in allowing certain electronic devices in the building then there are benefits.  Others, however, advocate the use in school and think of innovative ways these tools could be used to improve upon preexisting classroom strategies. 

I am interested to see what others have to say in regards to these devices. Do you advocate the use of cell phones, ipods, psp’s, pda’s and even laptops in school or are you an opponent?  Let’s hear your thoughts….