Even more useful technology...but do we need it?

We learned a few more fun and potentially useful technologies this week, including ComicLife and Mindmeister.  Unfortunately ComicLife is not free to use, however do not fret - there are others!  One such alternative is ToonDoo.  ToonDoo is a similar type of comic building program, which has thousands of inbuilt clip art images, as well as the option to import your own images.  Basic usage is free, however they also offer private ToonDoo spaces for educational institutions to have a secure and private space for their creations.  This would be a fun way for our young students to both work with a medium they enjoy (computers and comic strips) while we sneak in some learning!  A teacher could have them create comic strips re-enacting moments in history (Christopher Columbus discovering new lands), or they can simply be creative and make a ToonBook of their interests, or just doodle with it.  I'll be sure to keep this on my list of "possibly useful programs".

In addition, we discussed the functions of different types of media technology.  Certain technologies have different intended uses, be it for providing information, entertaining, or to meet a task or need.  My concern, however, is that do we really need these technologies to complete our tasks?  Can we not look up information somewhere else, such as a library?  I am not oblivious to the fact that times change, as does technology, however I think that the rate of which this is happening is so fast and furious, that we aren't really slowing down enough to think about what we are losing and how it may affect our learning abilities or health as we move so quickly ahead.  I hate to sound like an old grump, but by the time we begin teaching in about two years, our students will likely be so far advanced (if they aren't already) in regard to certain technologies, that we may have no hope in catching up.

Of course, it isn't all bad.  Having these options and the many programs they contain can be useful for learning, which we never had opportunity to experience in the past, such as Hooda Math.  Both parents and teachers can encourage children to have fun and learn at the same time.  Programs that offer games and activities yet contain an educational aspect can really add variety to a child's learning, and all the alternative mediums to interact with these programs (computers, television, smartphones, tablets, etc) can take some of the monotony out of learning.  It isn't just textbooks anymore!