The Challenges and Potential of New Educational Technology I. Crit

The Challenges and Potential of New Educational Technology
    Good morning, everyone. Today, we are going to talk about the challenges and potential of new educational technology.
    Many current criticisms of computers and multimedia technology in instruction stem from a lack of understanding of the nature and importance of computer literacy and of how new technologies can contribute to a revitalization of education. In the past, media, primarily film and television, were often used as a supplement or as a way for the teacher to take a break from the arduous activity of interacting creatively with students. Even today, with media and technology proliferating in the schools, media literacy is rarely taught, and imaginative use of media materials in the classroom occurs all too seldom.
     (3)Traditionally, print literacy has held a position of privilege in education. A form of elitism has blinded many educational theorists to the significance of media in the everyday lives of both teachers and students.(4)Further, instruction has generally failed to develop the critical skills and analytic abilities that empower both teachers and students in their interactions with media in all its forms. Yet, in this computer era, critical media literacy is essential for understanding and navigating within ever more complex technological and ideological forms such as CD-ROMs and the World Wide Web.(5)Indeed, there is a broadening mismatch between student experience, subjectivity, and culture and the institution of schooling.
    This is not to suggest that the instructional use of media and computer technology is inherently superior and without limitations. Indeed, we believe that print literacy and the fundamentals of education are more necessary than ever in today’s "high-tech" Information Age. In a world of information overload, it is increasingly important to teach students the skills of critical reading and analysis, and clear and concise writing.(6)Moreover, a good classroom teacher can provide context, appropriate application of course material to students’ situations, and a place for discussion and interaction that computers cannot provide. But we also believe that it is the responsibility of educators to make use of all available technologies for educational purposes.(7)The relationship between print media and multimedia technology, as well as between classroom teaching and computerized teaching tools, is not an either-or situation, but rather inclusive—a sort of " both-and". In this conception, multimedia and print supplement each other, as do computers and classroom teaching.
     (8)Yet traditional educators persist in blaming media and technology for declining test scores and in defending problematic tools like Internet filtering software and the television V chip that enable censorship of material deemed objectionable by some third party. It would seem more productive to teach students how to access and appreciate worthwhile educational and cultural media and to engage in critical analysis.(9)Often censoring material makes it more appealing and seductive, so we recommend critical engagement with media materials rather than simple prohibition.
    We also recommend that media production be incorporated in the classroom.(10)We have found that the production of alternative forms or parodies of commercial media—anti-commercials or anti-rock videos, for instance—can break through barriers and extend the critical educational process in many exciting directions.
    To sum up, with the development of society, there may be more good methods for education. Thanks for your listening.