Learning Activity (Prompt 2): While we were sleeping

Institutions need to closely observe how the new technology that they are considering to adopt functions and ask for clarifying questions if in doubt. They need to consider the cybersecurity to protect the members of the institution and the students’ privacy. It is also important to evaluate whether the use of this new technology do not cause any unethical concerns.

Instructors should consider the following: if the new technology is better than the existing methods of teaching and learning? Can it help to fulfill the educational goals? How efficient is the technology? Does this technology breach the privacy policy of the institution? Are there any ethical issues to consider? Are there any accessibility issues; does everyone have an equal opportunity to access and use the technology? Are the students able to access the content autonomously?

There are several hidden motivation that can influence our choice to adopt new technological tools. For example, it enhances students’ interaction and engagement, it boost productivity and creativity, it encourages collaboration and decreases paperwork for the teacher.  However, it is important to have a critical approach to embracing new technologies for use in the teaching practice. Sometimes, we may not realise that we are at risk of adopting new technologies that are having a harmful effect; for example, it can affect the curriculum design and it can have implication regarding our conduct and ethics. We should also consider whether it is more of a distraction is it isolating, is it accessible, is it affecting the development of students’ skills like problem solving, etc. We also have to reflect on the impact of high use of digital technology and assess the environmental footprint on our planet, considering it is already in a crisis. I thought this activity would be very helpful as it raises many important questions about the use of new technology. I have been able to reflect on the advantages of employing new technologies in the teaching practice. I have also been able to analyze the points that we need to consider before adopting new technologies in the educational institutions and the classroom. This task helped me to analyse my own practice and consider what type of approach I will have concerning the adoption of new technology.