In some cases, it seems as if installation and purchase precede purpose, but in others, a strong sense of educational philosophy helps schools sail past the shallow waters and the navigational hazards of this brave new electronic world. This column, my final contribution to eSchool News , identifies the risks of edutainment and technotainment while suggesting strategies optimize return on technology investments as measured by gains in student performance. Shallow Waters Schools can ill afford technotainment activities during a time of tough new standards and tests. We might define technotainment as technology activities heavily laced with entertainment but essentially lacking in rigor or value. Technotainment often stresses technology for technology's sake without enhancing student reading, writing and reasoning skills.
Technology becomes a goal in itself.
PowerPointing and spreadsheeting become goals rather than just means to ends. . The activity is disconnected from state standards and the new tests. No relationship or contribution made to the students' grasp of either content or skills. . The activity requires little original thought or higher level thinking. The student blindly follows directions and wins success by taking orders. .