Critique 1: Using Technology to Promote Health!

Journal article from a printed journal

Brown. L, Elias. J, M, Hoover. Heather & Poedubicky, V.(2000). Using Technology to Promote Health. Learning & Leading with Technology, 28(4), 18-22, 56

I found this article and was happy to read something set at a different level to what I had been currently reading. The article delved a little deeper into technology and its role in the emotional and social world of school children rather than just the intellectual world.  Even though the article was written nearly eight years ago, I still feel it is still highly appropriate and a current issue.

The theory behind this program was that by allowing students to access the Social Decision Making Lab (SDML) they can learn to overcome and control negative behaviours and replace them with positive ones.  This can be done through the use of a computer based program which has been created called the Personal Problem Solving Guide (PPSG).  What makes this software different and invaluable compared to a normal visit to the school counselor, is that it allows children to record their thoughts in a visual sense and provides a virtual place where they can reflect on whatever it is they are feeling. 

The whole idea and theory behind this program is very interesting.  The program acts as a ‘diagnostic tool’ where by the student first identifies the problem, and then reflects and lastly sets their own personal goals for themselves to achieve.  The program seems very rewarding and individualised to each students needs.  Not only can it help students to master social skills, decision making and common language skills, but it also can help them to overcome the emotional aspects as well.  

My biggest concern after reading and learning about this innovative new technology was whether allowing such a technology to play a vital part in dealing with an important issue such as our children’s emotional state of mind might prove to be a very unwise decision.  A few thoughts came to mind which frightened me in a sense that some children might become more distant and in the long run find themselves totally isolated from their peers and reality itself.  Like I have said in previous blogs I strongly urge teachers and all roles which involve the education and development of children to take on this added responsibility when it comes to using all new technologies to assist in our teaching.  If this tool is used wisely, correctly and hand in hand with teachers I feel it could be a drastic improvement from the current norm of just a chat with the school counselor.  But once again it is in the teacher or children’s caregiver to ensure that the support of a real person is still given a hundred percent along the way.  No technological advancement should ever fully take over that role which is our role as caregivers and teachers.