Post blog entry #9 in reaction to "Technology to Support Learning"

A few weeks ago, I asked my brother to assist me with a project I've had on my mind for a few months. I wanted to create a two sided piece of furniture that consisted of a bookshelf and TV stand. As much as I tried to describe it, the concept was clearly too confusing for me to explain. I'm not artistically inclined, and I do not have much experience in software like Autocad or some other 3D graphics software. Fortunately for me, Google came out with a very simple piece of free software called Sketchup. It was a simple way for me to use technology to get my concept across, without having to invest a lot of time learning my away around the software. I've posted pictures of my sketch as well as the (almost) complete product, to show how my vision has become reality.

So how does my experience relate to how technology supports learning?

Products like Google Sketchup can be great learning tools that teachers can use to their advantage. Much like this week's chapter suggests, technology such as Sketchup can be an extension of human capability, with a benefit of only a small learning curve. Integrating technology into the classroom can benefit both teachers and learners in many ways. Tools such as the Internet provide access to vast amounts of information. Communication tools eliminate global distances, and tools like Sketchup can build on the content being taught in class. All of these tools also provide additional learning methods to help the learner gather knowledge. The knowledge that students get from such tools, can often be transferred toward life skills and tasks, just like my experience.

I think it is important to note that although technology has the potential to be a great learning tool, the teacher must invest the time to learn the tool and extract the pedagogical content prior to its use in the classroom. As I discussed in a previous blog of mine, tools like this may be very appealing to teachers. That does not mean that they should introduce students to it without a plan or expectation of what knowledge will be gained while using the technology. Properly implementing technology as a tool in the classroom takes careful consideration and analysis. In the case of Google Sketchup, this product could be a useful tool for acquiring early concepts in architecture and engineering classes. Using technology is almost inevitable in such fields, but some of the more complex tools can be confusing road blocks for students during the early stages of learning. Simpler tools can be used as stepping stones to build the learner up to a point where they have acquired the knowledge they need to progress to a more complex development of concepts. Technology is here to stay, and it has become an integral part of everyday life for most people. It is up to teachers to prepare their students and use these tools to their advantage.