"Technovation Circle" continues its aim of gathering the comments, opinions, and ideas of teachers on issues involving the application of technology to education. We believe the new technolobies of the Internet, computers and multimedia can be inclusive, even to those unfamiliar with educational technolgies. We hope to assist teachers in the effective application of technologies to teaching. "Technovation Circle" is written by the Compumedia group at Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon -- teacher Russ Brown and students Travis G., Grant S., Ryan G., Tyler M., Dave K., Brent T., Dave S., and Justin M.

Please feel free to answer our ongoing Talkback question: "How are you as teachers and administrators using technology to improve instruction for students?" Selected responses to this question will be reprinted in upcoming "Technovation Circle" columns.

On November 13, members of the Compumedia club interviewed Dr. Ken Jacknicke about his views on technolgy in Education. Dr. Jacknicke is Dean of Education at the U of S. He made some very insightful comments about the role that technolgy will play in our futures.

An important statement bade by Dr. Jacknicke is that it is necessary to approach technolgy and the issues surrounding it with an open mind. We must realize that there are things which the computer can and cannot do; "Just to accept anything at face value is a mistake." Jacknicke believes that an obstacle that some teachers must overcome is a sort of "technophobia", a fear that computers will begin to replace them. Computers can enhace the educational experience in the classroom, but he believes that computers will never replace the teacher. "Computers are no substitute for human contact."

There are several things which must change before technology can be used efficiently by eduactors. "What we need to do is maximize effective computer usage...we need to be doing things we wouldn't usually do with a computer to use it effectively." Ideally, the computer will be used like you use a pen or pencil. In other words, technolgy will advance to such a point that we won't have to think about how we use it. "There will always be teachers who are slo to come aboard," states Jacknicke, "but computers are not going to go away."

One of the ways the College of Education is preparing teachers is with the following electives currently offered at an undergraduate level:

EDCMM 370.3 Survey of Microcomputer Applications in Educational Environments
EDCMM 460.3 Introduction to Educational Communications and Technology
EDCMM 473.3 Producing and Using Instructional Resources
EDCMM 474.3 Mass Communications and Media Literacy Studies for Educators