I have been interested in EdTech for a number of years now and have tried integrating it into my classes with varying success. I love to explore people’s thoughts about the new age of digital technology and how it is changing and will change educational practices. Of course this is becoming clearer and clearer with the continuing expansion of OneSchool and the Australian Curriculum.
However, as we take this journey towards integrating technology in the classroom (could one day digital technology become as normal as pencils?) it is useful to consider how technology is integrated and the issues and possible dangers that this could also bring. This is probably why I love the above quote from the book Pencil Me In by John T. Spencer. This book is an allegory and exploration into digital technology integration focusing on the experiences of one teacher in the 19th or early 20th century who is struggling with integrating pencils into the classroom. This story brings to light some of the struggles and difficulties of integrating any new technology into education. It is written in a light-hearted though thoughtful way and as the main character struggles with his desire for “all students to have a pencil” and what that means pedagogically.
A well thought out book that will entertain and possibly inspire.
