Topic brainstorming

I’ve had question that I was hoping to do for this project and through the readings, I think it’s a good potential subject.  Since I had an idea already, brain storming just kept bringing me back around to the same topic.  I hope my bubble diagram above shows what I am thinking.  

I have had concerns about the over use of technology in the classroom for several years.  I understand the reasons its use has increased.  For the teacher, I think it easier.  For the schools, I think it’s cheaper.  A good example to both would be dissection.   It’s both easier and cheaper to have students perform multiple dissections virtually than to perform them on actual cadavers.   You could look at most labs in a similar way.

I also understand that the world is increasingly tech heavy and that we need to prepare our student for that reality.  I wonder though, are students becoming numb to images and information received from a computer.  Ten to fifteen years ago, I understood the need to bring students up to speed on computers and the new thing called the Internet, but do kids today really need that?  Anecdotally, I know many elementary students who are absolutely comfortable with the digital realm.  If they are getting that at home, should the schools maybe look towards providing something they aren’t getting there?

Students often complain about the practicality and the application of science and other subjects.  Are we missing a chance to bring the abstract lesson into the real world?  Fundamentally, we need to improve students understanding of basic concepts.  I don’t think we need to improve students understanding of technology.  Most of our students will have a better understanding than us.

I don’t think we should abolish technology in the class room.  I’m just curious if there is a better, more measured approach that could lead to actually improving students understanding of the material.