Digital Classrooms Should Not Focus on Technology

There is an ongoing debate about whether the investment of creating digital classrooms, especially in budget-strapped school districts, is worth the money being spent. Although acquiring technology for the classroom often comes at a hefty price, does it really pay off in the end? Are the students benefiting from this investment, and learning the necessary skills that will give them an advantage after they graduate? From my own experiences as an educator, I know that beyond the technology itself, the skills that are imparted to the students as they utilize the technology are what truly matter. The opportunities they have to leverage the different forms of technology set them apart from their peers in a positive way, which in turn keeps them actively engaged and motivated to learn. But most importantly, technology brings them together in a way that traditional teaching strategies and classroom environments cannot.

Collaboration seems to be one of the buzz words in educational circles today, followed closely by communication and innovation. Studies have shown that both employers and the digital age in which we live require these skills in potential employees. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills provides tools for infusing the 4Cs (Critical thinking and problem solving, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity and innovation) into the educational system. Probably the best way to incorporate such skills is through the use of technology.

What technology does, is it affords the opportunity for students to collaborate with each other, share ideas, communicate and create media that can be shared with others around the world. It brings students together, and teaches them how to learn collectively and interact with each other, as opposed to isolating them and stifling the creative process. The skills that these students are learning because of the technology and tools available are setting them up to be successful in the workplace, and to have a competitive edge in the job market. Although having experience using technology is a definite plus, being able to connect, communicate and interact effectively with other people is the true advantage. People skills are not overrated; but without the technology to fully develop them, our students are at a disadvantage.