James Davis's List: Developmentally appropriate technology

My personal blog on technology and education. The focus continues to shift -- it started out as a communication vehicle for my school community about the tech program at the school; then it shifted to descriptions of my experiences with different technologies; of late I have been focused on developmentally appropriate technology and a sense that we really need to think more critically about what we are doing with technology in schools.

A critical review of the various arguments for using computers in the elementary grades. This is a good summary if you are looking for reasons to oppose aggressive use of technology in lower grades, or want to practice your debating skills to counter the arguments against the arguments etc. The author has written elsewhere about an appropriate tech program (starting at high school).

An article critical of technology use in K-8 grades. Includes what the authors consider an appropriate technology curriculum, starting in 9th grade. "All technologies are ecological."

This is a PDF of an important publication challenging the use of technology by young children. It's about eight years old now, but the information in it is more important than ever, as the various standards and pacing guides push technology use down to the lower grades.

Something of a follow-up to the Fool's Gold publication, this document more specifically addresses the idea of "technology literacy". It takes a broader view of tech literacy, encouraging the reader to see it as a social thing, not just the ability to use different kinds of software. It contains a good critique of ISTE. Should be mandatory reading for any tech in education program.

There are also links here to many other authors who have been critical of the application of new technologies to education. The site designer also has a blog on technology in education.