This Is Why Technology In The Classroom Doesn’t Work

Summary

This video script from 'From Theory to Practice' discusses the challenges of integrating computers into education despite their potential as learning tools. The primary function of computers for students is often gaming and social media, rather than learning, which creates a significant hurdle when trying to repurpose them for educational purposes. The script highlights research showing computers generally harm learning or at best are equivalent to traditional methods. It suggests using technology only when it serves a clear purpose, controlling and monitoring its use in the classroom, and not confusing engagement with actual learning to avoid the 'Oregon Trail Effect,' where students focus on the game rather than the educational content.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the issue of computers not being used primarily for learning, despite their potential to be educational tools.
• 🛠️ The concept of 'primary function' is introduced, suggesting that the way most people use a tool most of the time defines its primary function.
• 🔨 An analogy is used to explain primary function: a hammer is primarily used to hit things, even though it has other uses.
• 💻 The primary function of computers, according to a study by Common Sense Media, is for leisure activities rather than learning.
• ⏱️ Kids spend significantly more time on computers for gaming, watching videos, and social media than for homework or schoolwork.
• 📉 The script suggests that the attempt to use computers for learning faces a significant hurdle due to their established primary function.
• 🎓 Research indicates that computers often harm learning or, at best, are equivalent to traditional teaching methods.
• 🚫 Teachers should use technology only when it serves a clear purpose and avoid using it just for the sake of using technology.
• 🔒 When computers are used in the classroom, teachers should control and monitor their use to prevent distraction and maintain focus on learning.
• 🎮 Engagement with technology does not equate to learning; games may hold attention but often divert focus from the educational content.
• 🧠 Learning requires deliberate, focused, and prolonged thought, which is often at odds with the multitasking nature of computer use.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the video script about computers and education?

The main argument is that computers are often not used for learning purposes despite their potential, and when they are forced into an educational context, it creates a significant hurdle due to their primary function being something other than learning.

What is the concept of 'primary function' as explained in the script?

The 'primary function' of a tool is how the majority of people spend the majority of their time using that tool. It is the primary way in which the tool is utilized, which influences how people subconsciously think about and use the tool.

According to the script, what is the primary function of computers as determined by the Common Sense Census?

The primary function of computers, as determined by the survey, is for entertainment and leisure activities such as playing video games, watching television or film clips, and scrolling social media, rather than for educational purposes.

How does the script suggest that the primary function of computers affects students' use of them in an educational setting?

The script suggests that because students have spent a significant amount of time using computers for non-educational purposes, they are conditioned to use them in that manner, which distracts from their use as learning tools.

What is the 'Oregon Trail Effect' mentioned in the script?

The 'Oregon Trail Effect' refers to the phenomenon where students become engaged in the game aspects of educational software but fail to focus on the actual educational content, resulting in poor learning outcomes.

What does the script suggest about the impact of computers on learning outcomes based on research?

The script suggests that research has shown that computers, by and large, do not improve learning outcomes and can even be harmful to learning when used frequently in schools.

What advice does the script offer to teachers regarding the use of computers in the classroom?

The script advises teachers to use computers and technology only when they serve a clear and unambiguous purpose, to control and monitor their use in the classroom, and to not confuse engagement with actual learning.

How does the script define 'engagement' in the context of learning with computers?

In the context of learning with computers, 'engagement' is defined as the time and attention students give to the computer activities. However, the script warns that this engagement might not equate to learning if the focus is on the game or interface rather than the educational content.

What is the significance of the statement 'memory is the residue of thought' in the script?

The statement 'memory is the residue of thought' signifies that learning occurs when students focus on and think deeply about the content, rather than when they are passively consuming or multitasking.

How does the script suggest that the use of computers for learning should be approached?

The script suggests that the use of computers for learning should be approached with caution, ensuring that the technology serves a clear educational purpose and is used in a controlled manner to support focused thought and learning.

What is the role of the Common Sense Media organization as mentioned in the script?

Common Sense Media is a non-profit research and advocacy organization that conducted the survey on how kids use computers, providing insights into the primary function of computers as seen through their usage patterns.