The Battle Between Good vs. Bad Technology

Stephen Downes makes some excellent points in his article entitled, "Nine Rules for Good Technology." He mentioned that effective classroom technology must be simple to use. A teacher's job is in fact to teach, and therefore they should not be required to have a computer engineering degree in order to use technology in their classrooms. He points out that our goal as educators is to guide our students to use technology independently and therefore we must have "good technology" available in our classrooms at all times. Downes states that in order for technology to be "good" it must meet the following 9 criteria: Technology must be:

1) Always Available- Always in the classroom and not shared between several different classrooms and teachers.

2) Always on- On at all times or able to be turned on by the simple push of a button (i.e. Smartboards)

3) Always Connected-Does not require many people to help connect and set it up

4) Standardized- Works with any computer, web browser, or internet provider

5) Simple- One learns how to use it by doing rather than reading the manual

6) Doesn't Require Parts- Start up is simple and does not require other parts in order to work effectively

7) Personalized-Allows the user to make it their own and use it for their own purpose

8) Modular- Made up of parts that work together effectively

9) Does What You Want it to Do- Works appropriately and does not to do whatever it wants.

Downes makes some excellent points with these nine criteria. His article and what he refers to as "Stupid Technology" reminds me of many classrooms that I have been in in the past. Technology is often too difficult for teachers and students to use. I remember several occasions when my grade school teachers would call in assistance because the computers, projectors, and other technology were not cooperating with him/her. I agree that good technology must be simple if it is to gain a widespread appeal. Having computers, Smartboards, etc. on and connected at all times is an excellent way to avoid the distractions that can come from technology that is not working. However, even the best technology may not work at all times; there will always be the chance of something unforeseeable occurring while using different technology in the classroom. This is why the best teachers always think on their feet and have a backup plan for those times technology decides to misbehave.