Technology is ever changing, schools should be as well
I believe that in order for our schools to compete and to continue to be the best educators we can be, we need to constantly keep up with the ever changing technology in order to succeed at using technology in our classrooms. Some schools however, cannot afford to keep up with technology, so they are forced to survive with what they have. If you had a child in these schools, how would you feel?
I agree, so many of the parents in my area cannot afford things like computers or internet and the only place that their children have access to them is at school. So when schools can't afford to keep up with the technology, these kids lose. I would be very unhappy if I lived in a school district that was like this because all children are entitled to an adequate education and obviously an education without technology fails to give them one.
ReplyDeleteIn the state of Kentucky a huge amount of money has been dumped into school districts to support technology. In this day and age if a school doesn't have technology available to teachers and students then something is wrong. Every room doesn't have to be a "smart" classroom but every teacher should have access. As a parent I would be upset if technology was not available to my child at school.
ReplyDeleteI teach in a school that has a free and reduced lunch rate of between 60 and 70 percent. This year over half of my class did not have a computer or internet access at home. Our public library offers internet service for free, if their parents will take them to the library. However, the majority of technology exposure they receive is at school. I think all schools should have technology--with some computers in the classroom and other items as well if the district can afford it. But in addition to having the technology, students need to see it used to its full potential and if instruction allows taught how to use it as well (ex: Power Point.) My kids love technology and I would be unhappy if they weren't exposed to it in the classroom because their are some things that aren't practical for parents to have and use at home, a Smart Board for example.
ReplyDeleteI think it boils down to the idea that it is up to the teacher to use his or her resources as best as they can. Just because the technology is not the most current, most teachers can find a way to use what they have available to make it accessible and effective for their students. Also, many companies provide free or low-cost updates for their products that low-income schools could benefit from when available.
ReplyDeleteEvery parent wants what is best for their children. That being said I think that most parents are understanding of schools and know that schools cannot afford to go on a shopping spree and get whatever they want technology-wise, for every classroom in their building. If I were a parent, I would want the school and teachers to do everything in their power to make sure that my student was getting the best education and exposure to technological programs and applications possible.
ReplyDeleteMy recommendations for schools and teachers in situations such as this, is to ask your principal or technology people if there are any grant forms you can fill out for technological equipment. Lots of times there is free money and equipment out there, you just have to do a little bit of work for it. A parent should expect teachers and administrators to try in these type of areas. You never know when a little effort might pay off.
Very interesting. I agree with everyone here. I would want the school my children attend, to make every effort to gain access to all the latest technology that is out there. I love the suggestion of grants. I bet there are many schools out there that wouldn't even think of this, although it seems like common sense. I also agree with Miranda, in the sense that most teachers can find a way to use what they have to make the experience of technology work for their students, that's what we're good at. I also agree with the comment that was made about parents not having the technology at home as well, so school is kind of where you depend on your children to be exposed to up to date technology. When it's not there, your child suffers. I wonder though, are there areas around your community that allow the public access to certain programs, or equipment,like a public library? Our local library has computers, but honestly, I don't remember if they have things like PowerPoint or even that type of software where students can go to use. Colleges most likely do, but would they allow a parent and a child access? Hmmm, lots of ideas, but it remains that it's a lot of work if a low income school wants to have the latest technology. But there are ways to get it done, and as a parent, I'd be willing to help locate ways for my schools to get this help. I wish more parents were willing to do this as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your comments. Much appreciated!
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