Annotated Rewrite of critical reflection 1:

An unsustainable trajectory for technical development

The driving question: Is it sustainable that we continue on our current path of technological development?

 

Reporting

Technology, is something that individual’s use every day, and have come to rely on through various means. However, stopping to consider the rapid development of technology is not something many people think about, or the effects this may have in the future. So, what does this mean for the education sector?

 

The capabilities of digital technology are rapidly evolving posing both great benefits and detrimental effects on the education system (Kirschner & De Bruyckere, 2017). The automation of digital programming has seen Artificial Intelligence being used in the education sector. When used correctly this can assist teachers in programming and lesson planning by inputting a summary of the information to teach providing a more detailed report (Kirschner & De Bruyckere, 2017). Conversely Artificial intelligence can be implemented from student perspectives to complete a task for them, resulting in a negative impact on their learning outcomes. The rise in robotic and artificial intelligence programming is of definite concern, as continuing on this trajectory may negatively impact the education system (Aichholzer, 2016). Technology has made education more inclusive to people with diverse needs through the integration of voice activated devices or talk to text functions (Krieger et al., 2019). The rise of educational material being taught online is a huge advancement in education in recent years which can be detrimental for students who thrive from an in person learning experience (Arora et al., 2020). However, by adapting teaching to online content delivery means that students in remote areas or unable to attend school in person are still able to receive quality education (Arora et al., 2020).

 

Responding

I do agree that digital technologies are rapidly evolving and reshaping the education system, although I believe it is unsustainable to continue on this rapid trajectory indefinitely (Aichholzer, 2016). Through classroom integration the curriculum content is able to be delivered in an engaging and efficient manner which caters to the need of diverse learners (Krieger et al., 2019). Long-term reliance on the use of artificial intelligence for both teachers and students is damaging the authenticity of the teaching and learning experience (Kirschner & De Bruyckere, 2017). This emphasises the importance of ethical and responsible use of digital technologies including the use of artificial intelligence otherwise endangering student’s knowledge and abilities in the future. Alternatively, this is challenged by my belief that the online accessibility of educational materials and learning experiences throughout recent years has been a successful alternative to having no access to education whilst still acknowledging that there is no comparison to in person classroom environment (Arora et al., 2020).

 

Relating

Throughout the Covid19 pandemic, when students were unable to attend schooling in person, the effectiveness and reliance on digital technologies was an immensely beneficial way for students to receive an education (Arora et al., 2020). This reliance on technology meant that there were no consequences for lack of engagement with the materials or class participation. Artificial intelligence where students experiment ways of responding to curriculum material through creative imagery is an excellent way for them to engage with the learning experience. Conversely, when artificial intelligence is being used to write assignments or complete work on behalf of the students their learning is hindered and will result in damaging long-term effects.

 

Reasoning

The literature highlights the advancements made in digital technologies with a specific focus on artificial intelligence and programming, stating that it is designed to predict the needs of its users (Haupt, 2022). By using examples such as smart phones, laptops and smart home devices which are commonly owned by a large portion of the population, and comparing it to the progression and programming of robotics, this indicates how unsustainable it would be to continue to develop at such a rapid rate. Thus, governments need to implement policies regarding the progression of digital technologies in education to ensure their ethical and responsible use for both teachers and students, to mitigate the risks of potential harm to the education sector. 

 

Reconstructing

In future teaching, I plan to use digital technologies to support and enhance student’s learning. This could include using updated programs that will support diverse learners needs to complete classroom tasks. Alternatively, any use of artificial intelligence in the classroom will be used only to benefit learners, or provide them with an additional way of responding to an activity to meet the curriculum requirements. By doing this, I hope to create more sustainable teaching and learning opportunities in future practices, and reduce the potential detrimental effects that the rapid advancement of technology may have on students in the future.

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