Don't Confuse Tech in the Classroom with Student Engagement

Some days I get up, look in the mirror and say "You sir, are a closet Luddite!"

It's not that I don't like progress, as some mistakenly think Luddites do... 

Please indulge me as I take a bit of a side track.  I'll come back on topic.  I usually do.

According to Wikipedia, the Luddites were "a social movement of British textile artisans in the nineteenth century who protested – often by destroying mechanized looms – against the changes produced by the Industrial Revolution, which they felt were leaving them without work and changing their way of life."

Artisans were a special class of people. They were masters of their craft, and added great value to their creations. Their crafts were specialized, and took years of training. They were also available only to those of means, the common person could never aspire to owning such fine articles.

Then along came technology, in this case the loom, which could create a reasonable (or even good) quality product that could be utilized by the masses.  The specialized expertise of the artisans was no longer required, and people sacrificed quality over affordability and accessibility.

So... back on topic.

I'm not against technology in the classroom.

What I'm having issues with is the propensity of educators (and the press) that describe BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) as THE solution to technology assisted education. What better way to offer choice? Get technology in the classroom? (And if we are honest) Offload the technology costs to the parents of our students?

Schools without technology see this as a way to get technology into the classroom, and we all (I'm doing air quotes) "know" that technology in the hands of the student means an engaged student. Right?

I have to admit that this concept delights me... I'm the world's biggest proponent of how technology can be leveraged to do things never dreamed possible... that with educational technology properly implemented, teachers can squeeze more into a 45 minute class than they ever could before, or what student or school board hasn't winced at the price we pay currently for textbooks... but at the same time I can't help but feel we are sending the wrong message when we promote BYOD.

I often hear the justification for technology in the classroom is that students engage with technology in a way that they don't engage in sitting and listening to someone speak.

It can be true... watch a student's face when you hand them an iPad. But don't confuse bedazzlement with engagement. We all become infatuated with bright and shiny objects, but the initial thrill doesn't last forever. It is also true that there are teachers and speakers that can captivate an audience without any props or Powerpoints, or iPads.

Don't assume that just because the students aren't bored that they are learning anything of value. Candy Crush keep a lot of people occupied, but that's about it.

Don't assume that because textbooks have vivid videos and interactive definitions that there's more retention. Interactive media has been around quite a while... but interactive media adoption in the class has been... well... meh.

In the same way, don't assume that the current model of education works well because students are getting good marks on tests. Good marks on standardized tests does not mean they are learning the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need for success in the world we launch them into.

So perhaps I've said all of that to say this... If your primary objective is to get technology in the classroom, then a BYOD program initiative will get you what you want, but won't be happy with the result.

If you tie the BYOD program to learning outcomes... you'll do much better.

The Luddites weren't against technology (in their case the mechanized looms) they were against the loss of craftsmanship and artisanship. (OK, they were also against losing exclusivity, but let's forget that right now).

Education is about imparting the skills students need for the next stage of life. It's a scary, different world we are launching our students into... much different that when you and I went to school.

Kids raised with the Internet do think differently, and we have to adapt our delivery of education to make the most out of our time with students, as well as prepare them well for the world.

Technology is a phenomenal asset, but don't make it your goal.

Rant. Done.

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Note: A version of this post by the author previously appeared on LinkedIn.

Image: Frame Breaking 1812 Wikimedia Commons

About the Author:

I'm convinced that IT leadership needs to dramatically change how IT is delivered rather than being relegated to a costly overhead department.

In addition to transforming IT in my role as CIO, I look for every opportunity to talk about this... writing, speaking and now blogging on BeBee (www.bebee.com/@kevin-pashuk) , LinkedIn, ITWorld Canada, or at TurningTechInvisible.com.

I also shoot things... with my camera. Check out my photostream at www.flickr.com/photos/kwpashuk