Chip Flemmer

I hope technology never completely erases those human relationships and opportunities for learning that a computer or other “gadget” can only simulate. There is nothing wrong with online education or relying on computers and other technologies to aide in one’s learning, but I don’t want to see that style of learning eliminate other valuable ways for one to obtain an education like life experiences, parental and peer influence, as well as teacher guidance. There is a world and a life for us to live beyond a computer screen.

I agree with Roblyer and Edward’s point that no technology is a panacea for education. First of all, I wouldn’t be working toward a master’s degree in educational technology if I didn’t think technology was important and I didn’t foresee a limitless future in this field. However, I also believe that no matter what new gadgets or technological inventions enter the classroom it should be used to help the teacher and not replace them.

My wife’s grandfather is 92 years old and has a laptop computer with a game in which he can engineer a train anywhere in the world. He plays this game all the time and he can engineer a train in Montana without ever leaving his bedside in California. This technology has not only added value to his waning years of life, but I feel like he will live longer because he has such a passion for exploring the world through a computer game. As much as he has learned from this game and as great as this technology has been in improving his quality of life, it doesn’t replace the personal one on one interaction he gets when his loved-ones come and visit him. Technology’s useful and necessary, but it can’t replace those meaningful human relationship opportunities.

Roblyer, M.D., & Edwards, J. (2000). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education by Prentice-Hall, Inc.