"Learning By Doing"

 Prior to reading this week's articles I would have never guessed that John Dewey's ideas, in anyway, had such a lasting impact on educational technology; I mean he was born before the Civil War and died shortly after the first room-size computers came into being.  Although John Dewey never specifically advocated for the use of modern technology in the classroom, something that would have been difficult being a person of the late 19th and early 20th century, his progressive ideas of the time have "indirectly" stated his acceptance and advocacy for technology in the classroom.  Evidence that Dewey would have approved and advocated for technology in education is apparent in many of his quotes and reoccurring ideological principles. 

            For example, Dewey states in his Pedagogic Creed "that schools must represent present life - life as real and vital to the child as that which he carries on in the home, in the neighborhood, or on the play-ground."  In today's world computers and technology as a whole play an imperative role in society and civilization.  Dewey would agree that schools and classrooms all across America need to provide every opportunity they can to integrate technology into the classroom so that students can be prepared with practical knowledge in order to succeed in the 21st century.  Moreover, Dewey believes that a "teacher should be engaged, not simply in the training of individuals, but in the formation of the proper social life."  This idea only enhances the notion that technology should be incorporated into the classrooms so that students can be educated and prepared for our modern world, a world that is seemingly run by modern technology. 

            I believe that using technology inside the classroom can really help students grasp information.  Dewey states at great length the importance of students learning through experience, not material.  Technology offers the perfect opportunity for students to learn through individual hands-on experience.  Additionally, technology inside the classroom offers student's opportunities  for: student-center learning, context based learning, experiential learning, authentic learning, and reflexive learning; all which, according to Dewey are vital to the learning process.  Although Dewey never directly advocated for modern technology inside the classroom, his ideas of presenting students with real world experiences and practical knowledge can only leave scholars and educators assuming he would have advocated heavily for its use inside American schools.