I feel that my own educational philosophy coincides nicely with the elements of technology integration in the classroom. I view technology as the ultimate equalizer in schools; it provides students with access to information and artifacts that would have otherwise been inaccessible in previous years. Students are able to expand their knowledge by exploring the world, and develop a more refined understanding of themselves through a more global context. Technology also enables students to tap into and develop their own creativity through many innovative and interactive learning applications.
It would be futile to try and explain all the ways in which technology could be employed in a classroom without first expressing my main concern about technology availability. Unfortunately, due to the nature of American society, not all students are granted the same opportunity to develop their own technological fluency. Much like funding for books and extracurricular activities, the availability of computers and technological applications is very much dependent on the allocation of funding by the school district and the community. So despite the usefulness of technology, it’s function is oftentimes deemed void in areas that do not have the money to provide computers for each of its students. This is where the diligence, creativity and resourcefulness of the teacher must come into play.
There are several cases in which a teacher, though bereft of technological tools for each student, can still allow students to improve their technological fluency in one way or another. This can oftentimes be accomplished through a simple demonstration or exploration of an application or website. A field trip to a library or public computer lab may also be available for teachers with the available resources to do so. At the very least, a teacher can demonstrate the usefulness and universality of technology, and then urge students to take it upon themselves to go out and seek public domains in which they can improve their understanding of technology and the internet.
I like to think, though, that educational leaders today are aware of the increasing importance of providing substantial outlets for students to engage with the rest of the world through technology. I like to think that in the not-too-distant future, every school will have at least one well-functioning computer lab in which students have easy access to the internet and computerized learning applications. I feel that it is through technology that low-income schools will be able to give their students the greatest opportunity to upward economic mobility. I believe that technology is our greatest asset, and the ultimate means to help bridge the gap between economic plateaus.
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The question of the "digital divide" is a complex one. For example: if schools in poor communities had more technology, what impact would that have on social or economic mobility (moving across the plateaus)? How much is it a question of technical skills, or access to new technologies, versus other factors? If there was technological equity in the schools, what impact would that have? You are raising some very good, very important questions, and I would like to see us explore these more.
ReplyDeletejd
Hi there. I think it is important for schools to have the technological tools needed to teach students well regardless of the demographics of the students. Certainly, having access and training in technology (as opposed to having none) will ensure students are better equipped to compete for higher level jobs (in response to JD's point). I have a couple of concerns on the front of integrating technology effectively and using it appropriately.
ReplyDelete1) Oppenheimer's chapter 2 is a good example of what might happen if the commitment to integrate technology is half-hearted (i.e. even the regular curriculum is thrown to the dogs during the rigors of attempting to integrate a hodge-podge of technological tools).
2) Technology should be used as a tool, not as a replacement for substatial lessons, for rigorous training of the fundamentals, or for human experience.
yo pete--interesting comments especially given the profile of the nyc schools in chapter 2 of the Oppenheimer book... see you tomorrow w.
ReplyDeletePete
ReplyDeleteI find your points of topic to be very interesting and well thought out. I too believe that the lack of technology for some students does create a negative impact for their learning. In my opinion, parents should alongside teachers, play a more active role in regards to introducing various technologies which may further assist their children's understanding of the various available technological tools. Perhaps the earlier technology is introduced to any person, the more advanced they may tend to be with it.
Nowadays, it is pretty typical to see young children navigating through computer applications as second nature to them. This is quite an advancement in comparison to when we were younger. Children are able to learn many things (such as reading, mathematics, coordination, etc.) via technological tools available to them which generally increases their interest in assignments for class. Technology is such a positive tool that as you mentioned I hope to see in the near future every student with easy accessibility to it.