Technology+in+the+One+Room+School+House

Technology is always changing. When Carolyn was an undergraduate, students learned how to thread a film through a projector and now we have the internet, cell phones, and so forth. Rather than discussing specific technology, since it is always changing and since what is available to teachers is hugely variable, it seems wiser to discuss the functions technology can have in a classroom. There are many possible ways to use technology for these functions, from analog, funky old school machines to the latest widget on the web.

Information People take in information using all their senses as well as their linguistic capabilities, so it makes complete sense to present information that students need in multiple formats so they can access the information in the best way for themselves. This means audio recordings of text, music, and other aural information, whether cassette or mp3 or whatever new format comes along the way. It means the same information presented in diagrams, maps, charts, photos, and other visual formats. Even in a classroom that lacks any hint of 21st century technology, it means printing out a text on a computer somewhere in larger fonts for students who need that. It means looking on Youtube and other video sites for videos that pertain to the topic.

Not only should we consider multiple formats for information, but we should also consider how the student might have a choice about how fast or slow he or she takes in the information. For example, a video has just one pace. But a text can be read slowly or quickly. A presentation given to the whole class has one pace, but the same presentation viewed by one or two students by themselves on a computer can be accessed as quickly or as slowly as those students like. Audio typically has one speed, although some players, whether on the computer or analog cassette players--or even the old phonograph--allow you to speed it up or slow it down to a degree.

It takes some time to create materials in multiple formats, and yet this makes the material accessible and easier to learn for students.

Where I think technology is helpful is when you have a body of knowledge (e.g., ed psych) to impart to people and you want to do that efficiently and with as many options as possible. But you are right--student discussion is important. So, maybe we think through what is something that is a body of knowledge and how can I allow students to deal with that at their own pace, and what is something where student interaction is key to learning.