Technology education the year 2020

It seems as time moves forward by seconds, technology leaps forward by minutes.

This is certainly relevant to education. So far the conversation has been about how we can utilize the educational potential that new technology offers.

As we strive to answer this question, I think, Wait! Not so fast! The thought is powerful, as the intention is true, but lets answer a few questions first.

1. What is our end goal? Right now the educational system is set up so that technology is a means to an end, and not an end itself. Technology is a medium for accessing science, math, English, and all of the other subjects that are held near and dear to our hearts - and the state standards. When a course is offered on technology it is an elective - kind of like a fun afterthought.

Use of technology certainly isn't assessed in any meaningful way. If a student can't solve an algebra problem, they are a "child left behind", and all sorts of programs and money kicks in to "catch them up". If a child doesn't pass his technology class, either he/she isn't good enough at copying yet, or maybe just needs to try something else - like P.E.

The only ones that are bold enough to treat technology as an end is the ones that are far away from tradition and regulation - private and charter schools. For how long do charter schools need to succeed and public school fail before someone cries foul and pushes the reset button on education?

2. Technology is EXPENSIVE. Who is going to pay for it?

I recently saw this political cartoon by MSNBC which largely summarizes this question that I am rising.


Politics since FDR has been interesting. The criteria for a politician to be elected is largely how convincing that politician is that the largest amount of money possible will be taken from the public coffers. Vast amounts of funds have constantly been taken for schools, with a buzz-line that is getting cliche: "It's for the children!"

There is a problem: That mentality is catching up with us. By 2030, money spent on social security, medicare, and interest on the national debt will exceed the revenue of the federal government. In the nearer future, money dumped into the system to kick start the economy will drive up inflation and interest rates.

In other words: The climate that we are now in, where everyone is asking: "Where is the money?" is not likely to change. Is technology a luxury or a necessity? Will the public be willing to pay for this?

Well I guess that takes us back to the first question. Since we know we can master the basics without technology, is technology itself essential for my child's education? Will mastery of technology really make them more competitive in the market, or will it turn them into a World of Warcraft-playing porn addicts? Does teaching kids technology turn them into Eisensteins in the making, or just incredibly efficient time-wasters?