Technology, cloud-based or not, is not a panacea for education. It is a tool that still requires the hand of a skilled educator to influence student learning. How can it not and continue to successfully education today’s youth?
Just like other technologies, cloud computing for education needs enough educators using the tools and embracing the concept to reach critical mass (Meadows, 2008b). Interaction does not happen without sufficient participants. Cloud computing for education is becoming another example of the “reinvention” of technology as it diffuses and adopters begin to use it for other purposes than its original intention (Rogers as cited in Meadows, p. 43).
However, “investing in new technologies won’t make a (mega)bit of difference unless students learn how to harness these tools for a deeper understanding of their world” (Pierce, 2010, p. 6).
Further research into the effect of technology implementation in the classroom is necessary. Too often educators attempt to throw technology on top of existing instruction without truly embedding it into the process and without training in the best practice of its use. Nothing replaces the guidance, care, and personal attention of a dedicated instructor. Technology represents an industry changing tool, but implementation matters.
Is it important? You bet!
Pierce, D. (2010, June). Media illiteracy. eSchool News, 13(6), 6.
Meadows, J. H. (2008b). Understanding communication technologies. In A. E. Grant & J. H. Meadows (Eds.), Communication technology update and fundamentals (11th ed., pp. 41-51). Burlington, MA: Elsevier.
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