Tools over Solutions

Gary Natriello, Professor of Sociology and Education & Ruth L. Gottesman, Chair in Educational Research, Teachers College Columbia University

At a time when new generations of digital applications are increasingly offering ways to automate processes that have long been done by hand, by human hands that is, it is tempting to embrace such solutions. However, these solutions often relieve us of the very processes that we have long had to learn and apply over the years. Thus, they not only relieve us, they also distance us and in so doing they allow us to relinquish the knowledge that we applied to accomplish whatever the tasks might be.

Hidden Cost of Convenience

There may well be many instances where we want solutions that relieve us of the unnecessary process knowledge. However, before we gravitate to solutions as a general rule, we might consider the impact of such solutions on learning opportunities and ultimately on learning itself. The distinction between solutions and tools is one worth unpacking as we look for ways to support and extend learning.

Let’s begin by considering the features that make for satisfying tools, those tools that are engaging and a pleasure to use. We can think about all manner of tools for this exercise, everything from simple machines to the latest digital technologies and ask what characteristics make us want to use them.

Great tools have a small number of key characteristics. First, they let us see and understand their functions, that is, the way they reach the solutions they provide. This means that the processes by which solutions are developed reveal the tools applied. Second, great tools give us choices in how to use them. This may happen as we are allowed to apply only part of the processes they manage or are allowed to use them in combination with other tools or processes. These conditions allow us to experiment with the application process and determine the best combinations for the tasks at hand. Third, the best tools allow us to disassemble and reassemble them to permit a full and intimate understanding of their operation. And, of course, master craftsmen often design and create their own tools to support their work.

Tools Build Connection and Capacity

Taken together, these features of great tools allow us to gain a feel for the application in use. This feels builds the connection between human hands and the work in progress. The greater and more refined this connection, the greater the potential for the tool to be used to create.

Great tools thus enhance human understanding and human capacity.

“Great tools allow us to gain a feel for the application in use. This feel builds the connection between human hands and the work in progress”

In contrast, solutions deliver end results or answers through processes that can be ignored or avoided. They provide answers or end states with little or no human intervention or understanding. They often produce such results rapidly. They have the appeal of speedy, almost magical operations. Solutions have a seductive appeal to those who just wish to get on with whatever the task without a great deal of thought and with little opportunity for learning in the process. For those wishing to avoid the work of thinking, solutions are quite compelling.

With the understanding of great tools and their potential impact on learning, there are a few implications for developers and end users alike. For developers, it is important to show the operations of tools to the user so that the processes can be understood. To enhance the learning impact further, developers can provide insights at each step. In addition, they can provide feedback on various stages of the process as the user engages with the application. Wherever possible, it would be helpful to retain physical controls and provide physical feedback. Remember that humans are fundamentally physical beings and thinking is a full-body process. Because humans are also fundamentally social animals, developers should create applications that allow social interaction to take advantage of social learning processes.

Turning Solutions into Tools for Growth

Because these are tall orders for developers and we are beset with applications that provide solutions as opposed to tools, we must also consider ways that end users can take whatever applications they encounter and turn them into tools that allow them to extend their learning and enhance their capacities. We can create tools out of solutions by the ways we use applications. We can transform solutions into tools through our use patterns. For instance, we can use solutions partially to create greater transparency and understanding. We can use solutions to generate multiple competing outcomes that can be compared and pitted against one another. We can ration our solutions, reserving them for those instances where we wish to conserve time and generate additional opportunities for learning. Perhaps most importantly, those playing instructional roles can guide learners in this process of transforming solutions into tools. Together, these efforts might not make life easier, but they might just make it better.