As more and more classrooms look to the use of the latest web 2.0 technologies, focusing on the why in the planning process is a sign of best practice and should be the norm for educators, facilitators, and administrators.

However, it seems that the other Ws, particularly the what, and how are given the most focus or at least the most publicity. In fact, just the other day I followed a virtual discussion about a particular tool that a teacher had recently heard about and excitedly wanted to know how teachers were using it. The responses did just that; these focused solely on how this tool was being used with virtually no thought given to why a teacher would use such a tool. In fact, the conversation slowed and eventually shifted to discussing what other tools teachers were using. Again, no discussion of why.

Perhaps the why did occur away from this virtual area. However, it was quite disheartening.

In the midst of this exciting time of change, it is easy to focus on what tool: Twitter, Podcasts, Wikis, Skype, Ustream, Voice Thread, Sketch Cast, and many more. It is also just as easy to focus on the how given the various details needed and the actual fun that goes into such details.

However, skipping the why because of the excitement of the what and how is a poor practice to get caught up in for educator and it surely is unacceptable for those in roles to assist educators in such planning.

I often read about what tools are being used and how these are being used. What I'd be really excited to hear about is the vast reasons why a certain tool is being used in the classroom. Why are blogs being used as the foundation for writing across the curriculum? Why is Twitter being used for study groups? Why is Ustream being used to broadcast a class debate over immigration? Why is a wiki being used for Biology lab reports? Why is Ning being used as a collaborative research space?Why is Voice Thread being used for the oral section of a Spanish final? Why is Second Life being used in the study of a piece of literature?

So, start asking why and start telling your stories with the Missing W included! These are the stories that help us shape the use of technology in the classroom. These are the stories that build support for increased use of of instructional technology. These are the stories I'd love to read about right here!

Obviously, I'm simplifying the complicated reality of instructional planning. The point is that regardless of the approach taken there is a need to invest in dialogue that focuses on why-style points. If not, defining the successful use of the tool for that particular curriculum moment is purely random. If not, the discussions often shift from a learning focus to a tool focus.

By Ryan Bretag

From TechLearning.com

• ‹ previous
• 45 of 125
• next ›