When Not to Use Technology

When NOT to use technology? Heaven forbid such an article on THIS web site! However, upon reading an article entitled “When not to use technology – 15 Things That Should Stay Simple In Education”, I realised that there is a line for a technology teacher like myself to not overstep.

The key for the teacher is knowing when and when not to use technology in their teaching. An article by Sara Briggs on the informED website made me realise that there are indeed scenarios and situations where technology could potentially hinder the invididual and group.

I will not reproduce the article here, rather just let you see the 15 key points. For the full article, go to the original page here.

When not to use technology – 15 things that should stay simple in education

1. When it creates harmful shortcuts
2. When it undermines deep learning
3. When it undermines basic learning
4. When it decreases interaction
5. When it reduces the chance of failure
6. When the appeal is purely aesthetic
7. When it contributes to information overload
8. When you don’t have the time to integrate it
9. When it doesn’t support connecting and sharing
10. When it doesn’t teach students about technology
11. When students have already mastered the task
12. When it hampers communication
13. When it limits self-expression
14. When it can’t illustrate a concept
15. When technology isn’t relevant

In the article, each point is given substance and context. The question is, how does a teacher (whose subject involves technology) find the balance in using technology in the classroom and teaching technology at the same time?