Digital Minds

This discussion was very interesting, because it is so relevant to the real world. I was blown away by the statistics of the video that we saw in class about how the growth and sophistication  of technology has just exploded in recent years, and how it has changed our society and even our minds. It is amazing to think of how seamlessly we integrate new technology into our lives, and how in just one generation we have become so dependent on computers and the internet. I have only worked in special education classrooms for five years, but have already seen many of them transform due to new innovations in AAC devices and the spread of the touch-screen and Ipad. I literally cannot imagine what technological advances for students with exceptionalities are just around the corner, or what types of technology I will be using in my own classroom ten years from now.

One of the things that I took away from the class discussion was a desire for a happy medium of technology in our lives: a balance of embracing and exploring new technology, while not ignoring low-tech and no-tech tried-and-true teaching methods. I think it is important to recognize the value of new technology, and to find innovative and creative methods to incorporate technology into our teaching, while simultaneously "not fixing what ain't broke" and understanding that technology can actually take away from an educational experience in some circumstances. It can be difficult to step back from shiny new technology and remember that a no-tech, very inexpensive device can function just as well, or even better, than a high-tech device. As an example, I love Ipads, but some of my students communicate much better with PECS than  they do with ProLoQuo2Go.

As with any investment, when you purchase a new piece of technology, it is important to weigh its pros and cons, and to keep an open mind to all possible alternatives to meet the desired function. Too much technology can be distracting to students, can make them dependent on devices that they may not always have access to, and can place an incredible financial burden on families. I think its important to keep all options, high, low, or no tech, in mind.