"To tech or not to tech"

Here's an excerpt from the article "Encouraging Distraction? Classroom Experiments with Mobile Media"

"I think the best place to start when thinking about incorporating technology into the classroom is by asking the question,“What is the right tool for this particular job?” Sometimes it’s a digital tool and sometimes it’s not. But when we force a digital tool into a classroom scenario where it isn’t the best one for the job, students are extremely quick to pick up on this “tech for tech’s sake” implementation." 

This excerpt resonated with me and succinctly embodies my view of classroom technologies.  Sometimes I feel that 'tech-savvy' instructors push technologies onto students which may not enhance the learning environment and rather detract from the educational objectives of the course.  If a concept or theory could be conveyed in an efficient manner through student-led discussion and dialogue, perhaps that should be the method used to teach the material.  That being said, I do see the value and merit of using technologies to enhance a class, if that is the most appropriate "tool for the job."  For example, clickers might be the most effective tool for enhancing classroom interaction for a 300 person lecture course, but classroom dialogue might be more effective in a small class of <15.  As instructors, we need to reflect on our learning objectives, the dynamics of our class and make informed decisions about the methods through which we will disseminate information.