Lecture on Education, Technology, and Teaching

Introduction

• The speaker compares an apple to the American public education system.
• Highlights a gap between appearance/perception and reality in education systems.
• Discusses media's focus on teachers when addressing education performance issues.

Personal Background

• Speaker was a former 6th and 7th-grade teacher in math and science.
• Entered education journalism, moved to Silicon Valley.
• Encountered narratives that technology would solve educational problems.

Technology in Education

• Skeptical about technology solving all educational issues.
• Shared experience from USC Hybrid High College Prep:
  • Charter school with students on devices 90% of the day.
  • 50% of students were credit deficient by end of freshman year.
• LA Unified School District's iPad initiative:
  • Lack of teacher input and professional development.
  • Led to the resignation of the superintendent.

Importance of Teachers

• Teachers ask the best questions and have strong relationships with students.
• Shared a story about Ricardo Elizalde, an effective teacher using technology to build student confidence:
  • Used Macs and iMovie for student projects.
  • Students created digital shorts to demonstrate learning.

Positive Outcomes from Teacher Involvement

• Hybrid High's turnaround with new leadership:
  • Focused on teacher involvement and less device dependency.
  • Provided teachers with budget for technology purchases.
  • Improved student outcomes: 100% graduation and college acceptance.

Local Context: Chicago

• Mention of job cuts in Chicago Public Schools in 2016.
• Simultaneous hiring of an executive director of personalized learning.
• Concerns about technology-based learning environments lacking collaboration.

Conclusion

• Advocates for a balance between technology and human interaction in education.
• Emphasizes the importance of the triangular relationship: student, technology, teacher.
• Leaves the audience with a question: How to balance technology utility and human nature in education?

Final Thoughts

• Stresses the sacred relationship between teachers and students.
• Encourages preserving this relationship while integrating technology.