Defining Technology

Every Monday I share a different ed tech quote on our Thompson Classroom social media pages for our staff to consider.

Technology is not technology if it was invented before you were born, Sir Ken Robinson — Ed Tech Quote. (2022). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com

This quote has stuck with me for a few years because I feel that, based on the generational gap between educators and students, that there is sometimes a disconnect between how we view technology. For many educators, it is still considered an “extra” or an “add-on”. For example:

for THIS specific project we are summarizing our learning with a PowerPoint so we go to the computer lab
for a SPECIAL activity we are adding a tech station as an option during centers
for this ONE WEEK we are taking time away from other curriculums and focusing on coding

I argue, however, that the integration of technology should be a regular part of everyday programming. For our students, these tools and practices are a regular part of how they interact with their world; so why aren’t they represented that way in schools?