Critical Theory and Technology (Reflection)

There were two questions that my group came up with and focused on specifically. Here they are, along with the answers that we came up with as a team:

What is critical theory and why is it important?


Critical theory is a way of analyzing society with the ultimate goal of making a change, or evoking action. The focus of the change or action is generally on the benefit of society as a whole. Critical theory helps us question the status quo, addressing questions such as “Why is this the status quo?” and “What are we leaving out?”  It helps us take responsibility for our actions and makes us question our decisions, as well as make us aware of our consequences.  It opens up alternative solutions and ways of thinking.
If we do not think critically about technology, consequences could occur that could have been avoided. Such consequences include limiting students in their educational endeavors, further oppressing those who might not have access or have limited access, and overlooking the teaching of core values in the educational setting.  It promotes the responsible use of technology.

How can we expect to teach core values to our students while using technology when it goes against many values teachers want to teach?

The core values that we have taught students in the past include independence, self-reliance, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, basic spelling and grammar, and societal expectations.  With the introduction of technology, these skills have been hindered and are often overlooked.  For example, the calculator has limited critical thinking and problem skills within the subject of math--students are oftentimes reliant on their calculator and cannot perform without them.  Students rely so heavily on word processors and spell check that spelling, grammar, and vocabulary are not skills fully developed.
Manners and respect are skills that are also affected by technology, particularly on social media.  Students approach social media as an impersonal communication method, and do not transfer their communication skills into their online communications.  Digital citizenship is an essential focus in today’s educational system because of the integration of technology into our lives.
Because of the accessibility of online materials, cheating and plagiarism occurs more frequently with technology integrated into education.  Sharing has also been a value that we teach our children in schools, and with the integration of technology students are less willing to share if there is not enough of one type of technology for everybody in the classroom. Along with this comes jealousy, greed, and bullying.
So, how do we address these disconnects?  We must emphasize the responsible use of technology.  For example, classroom time should be focused on teaching digital citizenship and addressing issues that are encountered while using technology.  There should be scaffolding of children to utilize technology appropriately, starting at a very young age.  We should emphasize the limitations and affordances of technology to students, and identify consequences of inappropriate use.  
Other disconnects we feel have become the norm--there is no real way to address them except to embrace the changes.  For example, with spellcheck, calculators, and Google, students do not necessarily need to approach spelling, math, and memorization the same way as we have in the past.  


Now, there is the matter of my own feelings and answers regarding the topic.

1. What is critical theory and why is it important?
I agree with all that was said. Being critical about what you think and what you do is an important way of checking and limiting yourself. If ultimately your intentions are good, it is important that what is done with those intentions does the most good possible. Otherwise, it is not only a great waste of effort, but it can prove to be a serious detriment to those that you are trying to help. Therefore, critical theory holds an important place in helping us keep our feet on the ground.

2. How can we expect to teach core values to our students while using technology when it goes against many values that teachers want to teach?
In addition to what was said above, teachers need to keep the ultimate goal of what they want for their students in mind. Generally, the goal of education is to create adults that can effectively function in the world of work, government, and home. The world has changed, for good or bad. Technology is a major part of it, whether we agree with that or not. Not teaching students about or with technology just because you do not necessarily agree with their values can be very detrimental to the students. They need those skills to function in the workplace and the world. This may not be consistent with critical theory, but I believe that this is an important fact that goes perhaps beyond the philosophy of it all.