Things That Cannot be Replaced

Our family recently had a close relative pass away after a surgery.

Technology was evident in everything during this past 5 weeks - from the surgery to intensive care to rehab - technology is everywhere in the medical field. It still does not replace a good surgeon, doctor or nurse. Even in parts of the grieving process, technology was evident. Pictures of our relative and his family were scanned and a slide show set to music was available for visitors to see at the funeral home. DVDs were made for family members. GPS was used in locating and digging the grave site. Who would have thought? Our relative will be greatly missed.

Another thing technology won't replace is the Sympathy Card. Roughly 600 and still coming at this time. In fact, I don't think technology should replace it. As much as one can "personalize" things with technology, there is still something about the handwritten note which carries more emotion and sincerity.

I think some of this can be applied to technology in education. I recently read where, in the business world, a problem presents itself and the technology is developed to solve the problem. The author contrasted that with education in that in the education field, the technology is adopted and then people realize that there is a problem - either with its use, integration or application. Many times expensive tools will sit in the corner. I trust that this is not true for you or your school, but if it is, hopefully, we can adapt more of the business model.

Finally, as I mentioned earlier, technology won't replace the Sympathy Card. Well, I will expand that to education and argue that technology will never replace a good teacher - a teacher who is making decisions based on pedagogy, content and technology to provide students with the best chance to learn and succeed. Thank you for all you do!