Time and Technology

For dramatic effect, many writers use the phrase “time has been annihilated” by modern ICT. While that seems hyperbole, it does seem reasonable to conclude that time in classrooms is changing. Tasks that once took noticeable time can be accomplished immediately and effortlessly (grading multiple choice quizzes and plotting graphs are two examples that come to mind). Presentations that were one-time-only events can be preserved and permanently available. Discussions that once required all to participate at the same time can occur with different people contributing at different times and these discussions can be reread and reanalyzed and renewed. Students find it natural to watch (and re-watch as they want) videos, and they find it natural to carry on multiple asynchronous discussions simultaneously; their concept of time in interaction has changed from what was common in the 20th century.