Question

Describe an example of a technology or team and technology interaction that you have had in the context of school or work that could have benefited from better design.

Answer 1

An example of a classroom technology that I feel could have benefited more if it was designed better is the Smart Board. The Smart Board is a touch-sensitive giant screen that is connected to the computer. It serves as a replacement for the traditional blackboard or whiteboard. However, aside from being very expensive, the visibility of the content on the board is very much dependent on the surrounding environment. In one of my classrooms, there was no way to moderate light levels. And therefore, we often struggled to see the screen because of the sun’s glare. Discerning variation in colour was even more challenging for us. Even though money was invested in this powerful teaching technology, it could be designed better such that it functions optimally under all light conditions.