Teacher presentation n°3

     

    The presentation speaks about “functionally illiterate” people in a straightforward manner defining the term, which is needed for the listeners to realize the extent of the problem being under discussion. It puts emphasis on that technology must be an addition, not an alternative to conventional learning processes. This is crucial to support an even-handed point of view and to recommend that one should not discard technology but use it effectively.

    Finally, the presentation offers reflective questions that prompt students to critically examine the topic as well as think about potential solutions. This promotes student participation as well as discussion.

    In my opinion, the presentation addresses an incredibly valid concern and elicits an important reflection on education's role in relation to the use of technology. That being said, it should not be forgotten that the question is one that is difficult to approach in strictly causal terms. What I suggest is that there is an optimistic explanation as well as one that is pessimistic.

    On the positive side, the presentation emphasizes that the topic is relevant because in today's more digitalized world. It is crucial to ask about how technology is influencing the manner in which we learn and if it is indeed impacting the acquisition of basic skills.

    It centers on balance, emphasizing the need to achieve some kind of parity between traditional instruction and high-tech pedagogy. Not rejecting high-tech pedagogy per se, but using hasty manners to augment learning without compromising on foundational abilities.

    Additionally, it encourages critical thought through reflection and discussion by asking such questions like, "Can one provide an example about how digitalization in our classrooms is influencing basic learning?" and "How can we apply ways to ensure that technology augments, and does not substitute, important learning techniques?" This enhances critical thought as well as the quest for efficient solutions.

    Nonetheless, I feel that the presentation oversimplifies the issue since it highlights it as an essential one but risks oversimplifying the link between basic skills and digitalization. Decreasing reading competence could have more complex causal factors that aren't limited to digitalization.

    Carrying on from this point, I also find that it is concentrated on Sweden's case, which is pertinent to showcase the problem. But we have to keep in mind that it might differ in other educational contexts as well as in other cultures. One cannot generalize that digitalization will exert an identical bad influence everywhere. Lastly, although the presentation espouses having an eclectic approach, it also has lines such as "Technology is inevitable," which sounds quite deterministic. Yes, there is an important role for technology, but all choices regarding that will depend on people and societies. We have agency here.