Technology Alone Can’t Fix Teaching and Learning Problems

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To wrap up LRNT522, we were given the opportunity to interview author, teacher, and researcher, Dr. George Veletsianos, an Associate Professor at Royal Roads University and Canada Research Chair of Innovative Learning and Technology, to ask him about his experiences and life’s work in the field of Education. The following is a discussion based on my key take-away from that session with Dr. Veletsianos concerning the role of technology in education.

Over the past two decades, there has been plenty of discussion among policymakers and administrators about finding solutions to ‘fix’ the many teaching and learning problems. While many of these conversations are worthwhile, they often center around technology. According to Dr. Veletsianos, if we keep this focus, we will not make any progress. Technology is a tool that helps students see the world, solve problems, and connect with others. While an integral part of 21st-century education, we are ignoring the core societal issues that plague our schools by viewing technology as an end rather than a means to an end.

In the age of information, the issues themselves do not receive the attention they deserve. Instead, the latest technological innovations that promise to radically transform education catch the spotlight. But why do we focus so much on the technology? Maybe because technology is tangible. It can be seen, touched, and interacted with. Therefore, when teaching and learning issues arise in our schools, it may feel intuitive to find ‘solutions’ like technology, which are already so ingrained in our daily lives.

Dr. Veletsianos believes this is a serious problem. He asserts that by focusing on technology, we lose sight of what matters. He illustrates this point further using his research interest in expanding access to education as an example. Dr. Veletsianos says one could start by researching online education as a solution to address this issue. But, he warns that expanding access may not be a technological problem. There may be other aspects beyond online education that require attention, like obstacles related to socioeconomic status, restrictions due to location, or other components that are not technological. That being said, education involves multiple facets of which technology is only a part.

It appears we are at a critical moment in time to reflect on how the choices we make today might impact the future of education and online learning. As educators, it is our responsibility to change the conversation about education and technology’s role within it. Learning, not the tools, should be the focus.

As we enter LRNT523, we should take Dr. Veletsianos’ advice and spend some time thinking about what exactly interests us. What are the issues worth exploring that may be of societal benefit if solved? For the decisions we make today will affect the type of society we create for tomorrow.

“What are the teaching and learning problems that may require your attention?” (Veletsianos, 2021).

References

Veletsianos, G. (2021, August 11). Personal interview [Personal interview].