Summary
In Technology Reshapes America’s Classrooms, Jason Szep provides projections concerning the growth of online learning opportunities. No longer are the students looking for textbooks, paper and pencils. One program that two years ago provided a few laptops to students now provides laptops to all 7th and 8th graders (Szep, ¶7). Some of the factors listed as positives for this push towards technology in the classroom included textbook replacement costs, increased attendance, less discipline referrals and parents engaging more in their children’s schooling (Szep, ¶8-9). This article also mentioned that moving towards a future of increased technology follows the current demand for online tutoring and educational opportunities (Szep, ¶20-21). However, the overall idea expressed in this article was that the educational system will continue to grow by developing needs associated with corporate internet service providers, while using some private funding to develop the future of a federal educational system.
Reaction
The general concept of increased technology in the educational system appeals to my interest in adaptive technologies. However, this article caused some concern in regards to the discussion of teacher reductions, outsourcing educational opportunities and increased participation of big business in local educational systems (Szep, ¶23-24). Furthermore, I have to question that if the educational system becomes reliant on technology, who or what will be the deciding factor when money, politics, access and funding come into play regarding controversial topics in curriculums. In looking at the technology that adapts according to the student’s level (Szep, ¶10), I have to question what knowledge or capability will be required by the teacher, and if those adaptations will eventually lead the children to the necessary scores on mandatory testing. Also, what sorts of mechanisms for review of source information will be in place, who will be in charge of publishing student accessible web content, and how will accuracy and pertinence be monitored. I might predict that states and districts would embrace such systems and tools due to their cost savings measures (ie. Textbooks, paper, etc.). However, it would be quite a demand on teachers to have to constantly maintain literacy within these ever changing technologies.
Source
Szep, J. (2008, July 7) Technology Reshapes America’s Classrooms
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Labels: Effectiveness of Technology
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