As difficult as it may be for technology users to adapt to new concepts, it’s certainly possible to do so. According to Scully, the key is that schools need to teach kids not only how to use their devices, but also how to solve problems on their own, grasp new concepts, and self advocate.
In an interview, Scully explained that “if all we’ve done is teach you how to follow recipes, then you are going to struggle… It’s important that we instill in students the mindsets and problem solving skills that allow them to work with technology they've never seen before.”
Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a night. Teach a man to fish, and he will eat for the rest of his life. Likewise, if students are taught how to adapt and gain new technological skills, then they’ll be able to handle whatever the world throws at them.
The world of technology is growing faster than ever. Students who rely on electronics are at risk of losing their tech skills if they don't adapt.
If you value your tech savviness or you're already struggling to keep up, you should be afraid.
In about 70 years, the world has gone from having no computers at all to being almost completely reliant on them. The average digital consumer owns almost four electronic devices as of 2016, and that number is growing rapidly. The majority of students in developed countries need technology for their day-to-day learning routines.
Mr. Matt Scully, the head of the technology department at PDS, says that the school has done a good job “staying out in front” of things tech wise, but “the challenge is that when you commit to something . . . you kind of have to roll with it.”
As hard as it is for schools to stay ahead of the tech curve, It’s not easy for the individual, either. The threat of technology or tech skills turning obsolete is quite eminent.
Is technology growing too fast?
by Charlie Tiberio
Each student at Providence Day School is supplied with an iPad to do their work, and there are hundreds of laptops, desktops, Smart Boards, projectors, and other machines all over campus. There is seldom a class that takes place at PDS without the use of several devices.
When the PDS faculty made the decision that every student would receive an iPad for their schoolwork, it was a huge monetary investment. If the tablets had turned out to be less useful than expected, or if they became outdated quickly, all the money they spent would have been for nothing. Schools that don’t have as strong of a financial base or an advanced tech department often have a lot of trouble committing to technology because they fear this will happen to them.
If you’re a student in a computer science class, a student who uses technology regularly, or someone who values their tech skills in general, you should know that it probably won't be easy to maintain your skill set as technology grows. The speed at which technology is changing is ridiculous. If you aren’t convinced, take a look at the visual time line below.
“If all we’ve done is teach you how to follow recipes, then you are going to struggle… It’s important that we instill in students the mindsets and problem solving skills that allow them to work with technology they've never seen before.” - Matt Scully
Computer science students taking advantage of school laptops.
Image courtesy of C. Tiberio
Tech time line. Infographic courtesy of C. Tiberio
As you can see, tech gear is getting more and more advanced, and it's not showing any signs of stopping.
Technology at work in the classroom. Image courtesy of C. Tiberio
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The Charger, December 2017
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