Technology Tools (or Crutches) in Education

crutch

(n) : a device to assist in motion as a cane, especially one that provides support under the arm to reduce weight on a leg; something that supports, often used negatively to indicate that it is not needed and causes an unhealthful dependency; a prop

definition provided by ninjawords.com

It is nice to know that technology is reaching to more students each year. For years, math teachers have debated about the issue of calculator usage in the classroom. Teachers struggle with the idea students becoming dependent on calculators rather than exhausting one’s own dendrites.

Now, how does this concide with the issues math educators deal with a daily basis? I have learned that students will soon be writing using the computer. As we know that the new fangled word processors now have tools such as spell and grammar check. As adults that know the grammar rules (somewhat) and how to spell (sometimes), spell & grammar check “has our back.”

I am not against using technology in math or LA class. However, I am for quality education and work. If technology produces quality products which support evidence of learning, I am for anything that will assist 21st century learners reach the mark set by local, state, and national standards.

Having an ol’ skool mind, I know that we struggle that students must know the basics, what do you think?