Pong to Blog

     Everyone sees the world through the lenses they have created for themselves. Whether it’s people, programs, possibilities, or problems we view them differently and categorize them as good or bad. Many would view progress as a negative. I remember giggling with my grandfather when he talked about the good ole days when things were simpler, but I have to admit I have had a moment or two (okay maybe 3 or more) when I have reflected on how easier things were when I was younger. Whether you agree or long for the easier times progress, no matter how it is viewed is inevitable. 
     Progress is the result of those who had a vision and were dedicated enough to see that vision become a reality. I don’t think anyone could deny that technology is one area that has progressed considerably in the past two decades. I’m about to date myself here, but I remember learning how to type in high school on a typewriter (electric – that was a big deal) and I remember playing the original video game – Pong, but technology was not a common household item for everyone. Techno gurus saw the potential of where technology could take us, they had a vision, and look where we are now – from Pong to Blog and some form of technology in every home.

     I would agree that technology is an important component for success beyond the P-16 years although I am not as technology savvy as others - many of which are under the age of 18. The reality is that most students come to school knowing more about technology than those who are teaching them. We have students entering school who can locate the shift and enter buttons on the computer keyboard but they can’t tell you the letters of the alphabet. They regularly play video games and surf the computer for hours, but have the attention span of a gnat in the classroom. Based on those last two statements you may think I would say technology is a negative thing for education, but I actually think technology has provided us with a clue as to how we need to approach our students learning – hands on and entertaining. I think it is evidence that we need to change our teaching strategies and approaches and advance with our students. We need to find a way to merge the teaching approaches that will grab the attention of our students (yes, that means learning how to use and incorporate technology) with the basic skills in order to prepare students for college and the workforce. This is also a sentiment expressed in the article, Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas. “We must embrace and seize technology’s potential to capture the hearts and minds of this, the first digital generation, so that the work designed for them is more engaging and respects their superior talents with digital devices and connections.” (13)