Technology’s purpose in education is evaluated often by educators, students, and parents. Varying parental opinions about technology have been expressed from technology is the work of the devil to incorporate every technological advance possible have been expressed in search of the perfect balance. The short reason why technology is part of our educational system is because technology is part of our world and is developing at lightning speeds. Since technology is in use in nearly every aspect of our life educators are charged with the responsibility of preparing young people to use it with creativity, safety, and with skill. As educators, we are charged with the responsibility to be lifelong learners and inspire our students to want that too.
Technology is part of our educational system because it is a huge part of our world and enhances the educational experience in ways that cannot be attained otherwise. Since the days of large personal computers, bulky cell phones, and dial-up internet technology has brought change in unprecedented ways. The ISTE standard 2.4c explains that students “use collaborative tools to expand students’ authentic, real-word learning experiences by engaging virtually with experts, teams and students, locally and globally” (ISTE, n.d.). Technology provides those collaborative tools that allow students to travel all over the globe from their desk and gain insight into the thoughts and experiences of people that are different from theirs. Endless research tools provide opportunities for students to take control of their learning. It is our responsibility as educators to include technology in our curriculum so that students learn how to use it effectively and with purpose.
We all can see the benefits of using technology for research and exploration, but have many people taken into consideration the benefits that technology brings to children and adults with special needs? There is so much technology that has been made available to this population that has greatly impacted their quality of life and has enhanced student experiences with peers by giving them the same opportunities. According to a report from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, “…children with learning and attention issues are as smart as their peers and can achieve at high levels but too often are misunderstood as lazy or unintelligent. Without the right academic or emotional support, they are much more likely than their peers to repeat a grade, get suspended and drop out” (National Center for Learning Disabilities, n.d.). Unfortunately, this is too often the case with students with special needs. By bringing in assistive technology students with disabilities are often able to experience success with the curriculum comparable with their grade level peers. In 2022, Elizabeth Bonker was the Rollins College valedictorian and gave an amazing and compelling speech. In her speech she made this statement, “God gave you a voice. Use it. And no, the irony of a nonspeaking autistic encouraging you to use your voice is not lost on me. Because if you can see the worth in me, then you can see the worth in everyone you meet” (Grantham-Philips, 2022). As Elizabeth used her text to speech device to communicate her powerful speech to the world, she advocated for communication for all.
The Bible supports the spread of knowledge and charges us to become lifelong learners. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (NKJV, 1982). The Great Commission was for all believers; however, not all believers are able to travel. Technology has provided numerous ways for believers to converse with others about the Bible. I Peter 3:15 prompts us to study, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (NKJV, 1982). Technology has made it possible to glean from the wisdom of wise teachers of the Bible from all the world and provides ample study tools for independent studies. 2 Timothy 2:15 urges Christians to study so that they are not ashamed when others ask them questions about their faith (KJV, 2023). The use of technology in the classrooms is essential in the development of these skills. We study history so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past, but without the knowledge of those mistakes people will do just that. For students to have a well-rounded world view they must be curious learners and seek truth for themselves. It is my obligation as an educator to inspire students to search it out for themselves. Proverbs 25:2 speaks to the search for wisdom, “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings to search things out” (ESV,2023). Technology can be very beneficial in our studies because there are so many references at our fingertips when we go online.
I can support technology in my lessons by providing assistive technology for learners who need it and deliver lessons that spark curiosity and engagement. By using educational gaming platforms such as Kahoot, GimKit, Blooket, and so many others I can relax students into learning and make their experiences more enjoyable. When I teach collaboration through programs like Google Slides, I prepare them for their future endeavors that require teamwork for productivity. Technology is increasing faster than most educators can keep up with, but we must try to incorporate the use of it into our lessons so that we are educating students who learn to appreciate educational uses of technology and ways that they can be successful lifelong learners.
Resources:
English Standard Version Bible.
Grantham-Philips, W. U. T. (2022, May 18). “God gave you a voice. Use it”: Nonspeaking autistic valedictorian delivers powerful speech. USA TODAY. https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/05/13/graduation-speech-valedictorian-with-nonspeaking-autism/9760903002/
ISTE. (n.d.). https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-teachers
National Center for Learning Disabilities. (n.d.). National Center for Learning Disabilities. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.ncld.org/
New King James Version. 1982. Thomas Nelson.
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