9 Rules for Good Technology- How Insightful

Recently, I read an article by Stephen Downes called, "Nine Rules for Good Technology".  Downes posited that technology that is appropriate for use in schools should be of a "widespread and easy to use variety." Furthermore, he writes that technology in schools should be "technology which works mostly by itself, which does not require a Master's degree to operate, and which does not distract from teaching and learning." He goes on to provide nine descriptions of what differentiates good technology from "stupid" technology.  Here are the distinguishing characteristics of good technology according to Downes:

1. Good technology is always available.
2. Good technology is always on.
3. Good technology is always connected.
4. Good technology is standardized.
5. Good technology is simple. (Yes!)
6. Good technology doesn't require parts.
7. Good technology is personalized.
8. Good technology is modular.
9. Good technology does what you want it to do. (Yes again!)

Funny enough, I actually thought of this list and of the concept of "good" vs. "stupid" technology as I worked with various technological tools this week for my Technology and Literacy class. I thought about the qualities of "stupid" technology, specifically that this technology is not simple and does not do what you want it to do, when I was trying to create a podcast using podomatic.  The process of creating the podcast wasn't without some hurdles but ultimately it was pretty doable.  However, when it came time to try to view the podcast I made, it took about a half an hour of searching around the site to figure out how to do this. I remember feeling a feeling of helplessness that arises for me when I feel like no matter how hard I try nothing seems to work.  It was a very distant and palpable feeling that has been felt during other attempts to work with various technology tools.  I'm sure you know what that feeling is like.  It is certainly not a feeling I like or welcome. 

On the other hand, I found myself thinking about "good" technology when I used webs.com to create a personal website.  This site is quite straightforward and user friendly, which are two traits of what Downes calls "good" technology. What a different feeling I felt while using this tool! It felt fun and gratifying and it made me want to spend more and more time working on my page.

I think the implications of these experiences come down to keeping this list of what constitutes "good" technology in mind when designing activities for students to engage with technological tools. This means trying to minimize having them feel helpless and maximize their opportunities to feel excited and engaged. 

How can this list be used to create authentic learning experiences for elementary school students? The list could serve as a basis of reflection as students work with technology that helps them to accomplish a meaningful activity or task. 

One question I am left pondering is: Is there a substantive list out there that describes the qualities of technology that can be used for authentic teaching and learning?