I’ve tried to train myself over the years to use “non-technology” analogies wherever possible when explaining technology concepts. I think it comes from years of seeing people’s initial reaction to a piece of technology – putting the hand up as if to stop me right away, stating that they “don’t know that much about technology.” I was looking over an article this morning about Kentucky’s efforts to combat childhood obesity. In some ways, the challenges are similar.
The article mentions the efforts of the USDA in trying to combat the obesity problem, forcing menu changes and requiring more fruits and vegetables to be served to our students. The first question asked is “will the students eat this food” and there’s a story shared about lunch participation rates dropping slightly and an uneaten orange being thrown away in front of the food service director. From a technology perspective, I’ve had conversations with districts about interactive whiteboards (IWBs), “student workstations” in the back of a typical classroom and carts of laptops for sign-up and checkout (just to name a few hardware examples off the top of my head). In each case, that conversation can lead to the lament that the technology isn’t being used effectively or used at all. Some teachers effectively use an IWB (and presumably eat oranges), while to others it’s an expensive white space for projection (or pretty color on a plate of uneaten food). As technology leaders, we try to fill each classroom with what we think the user needs. It hasn’t always been consumed as often as we’d like. Sitting that nice piece of technology aside is akin to throwing the uneaten fruit away.
There’s a section in the linked article about “the media angle”, correctly pointing out that our students are influenced by television ads that promote the consumption of unhealthy food. There’s no doubt that outside influences are contributing to the obesity problem, both in the foods we eat and the physical activity that we may or may not be getting. Technology has its own “media angle”, which is tough to address in part because the technology itself IS the media. I’ve had conversations and given presentations on 1:1 initiatives and the more current “Bring Your Own Device” initiatives that are going on around the country. These aren’t bad initiatives, but I do believe that some districts get excited about these things because of what they hear from outside influences. If a neighboring school district pushes forward with an initiative, our district may feel compelled to research or implement something similar. Strong vendor presentations (like television ads) often influence our behavior. Implementing a dense-device technology initiative without proper planning (or mental ‘activity’) and based primarily on outside influence could be compared to the lazy stereotype presented in the linked article… one of a sedentary lifestyle with no physical activity, perhaps mindlessly gorging on unhealthy food.
Continuing through the article, it notes that teaching programs have popped up that go far beyond simply giving food to families. There are cooking classes, as well as tips on couponing and how best to take healthy advantage of leftovers. The article states that the mission of these agencies (such as agricultural extension agencies) has changed. To quote:
“It is not enough to share information, we also have a responsibility to help change behaviors,” she said. “Now, all agents do some type of nutrition education in their work somewhere or other, even the ag agents, because it’s become such a problem in our counties.”
Substitute “agents” for “technology staff” and “nutrition for “technology” and that paragraph could have been written about technology integration. We’ve struggled for years with the best methods to train staff and students on proper technology use. At times, we have simply installed hardware or software (‘share information’ in the paragraph above) and have struggled to change behaviors.
I think you’re getting the idea. There’s a lengthy section on how to address situations where students enter kindergarten already obese. The article discusses training daycare centers and preschools as a potential solution, though it is pointed out that the goal is to try to get parents to hear the message from more than one place. With technology integration, we definitely need other places to help deliver the message about the need. Students and teachers need to understand why it’s important to know how to take best advantage of technology resources. It’s got to be more than the “technology is the future” lip service, just as proper nutrition needs to be more than the “eat it because it’s good for you” jargon.
The ‘community’ section of the article mentions some menu changes at a swimming pool concession stand and environmental changes in some cities such as increasing sidewalks and adding bike trails. A mayor is quoted talking about the ‘culture change’ that is ultimately required for better habits to become habits. I think we’re seeing that today with our technology as well. More districts are allowing the use of personal devices in the classroom. School districts are updating their wireless infrastructure to support the increasing number of devices on their networks. Policies are being changed to support the intentional use of technology for learning. As with the walking trails, it turns out that more people will eventually use the technology resources made available to them.
At times, it seems like an uphill battle. Walk through a school and you’ll undoubtedly find somebody using technology inappropriately or eating something that isn’t good for their health. Is the solution to padlock the cafeteria and only slide fruits and vegetables through a slot to students? It appears that we’re trying to educate and provide a balanced diet to our kids, mixing in the occasional treat with a healthy dose of nutritional options and surrounding them with education about why nutrition is important. After all, if Slim Goodbody can use technology to educate us about health, maybe technology isn’t so bad for us after all. Eat your broccoli and make it a great day!