Question 5: More technology, more problems?

On page 7 of the article, the author states, "The application of technological solutions to one problem may create other problems which may be more serious than the original problem."

What are some examples of this "negative cost-benefit ratio" that you see in education and instruction today?

Corollary: Does the need to transform our schools into 21st-century institutions outweigh other concerns?

When I read this statement, I was comparing this technology issue to my personal experiences on language learning.

Technology does solve many problems in every aspect of our human lives and SOMETIMES makes things easier and more convenient for us. However, the conditional requirement is that you are equipped with that knowledge or skill. If not, it can only make things harder and more complicated.

It acts as a bottle neck, filtering those capable, smart and gifted people who cannot (properly) use it out. Just like the language barrier. If you want to study abroad, especially in a country that speaks another language, you have to learn that language first and learn it very well to be qualified to enter an institution or school. Even you are outstanding in your professional field, but it's only because either you don't have time to learn another language or you are really bad at language learning, there is no way for that person to get the chance.

Same thing in this technology situation. When technology becomes to dominate our society everywhere, including education and instruction, and the teacher and instructor have to master the skills or they are required to use the technology in their teaching, it really blocks those qualified teachers who can not use it.

Technology capability is only one of the thousands abilities of a human living being, it's NOT all. In addition, it's not the key instruction problem in learning process. Does it mean that if schools are equipped with the best technology products, their students would be the best AS A RESULT? If your answer is no, so where do you like to place those experienced teachers/instructors who do not know or are not good at using technology products? They may be filtered out by an irrelevant criterion required by today's society.