My third article, "Transforming Learning Through Technology," focuses on the need for states to implement technology standards for schools. This article can be found at http://www.mff.org/edtech/article.taf?_function=detail&Content_uid1=275.
The first part of this article describes the different trends that are seen in schools today. One of the trends that is seen across the country is that high-income schools have more technology access and better trained teachers, where as low-income schools have little access and teachers who are undertrained in regards to technology. This trend is a huge reason for the continued gap found in the digital divide. As long as lower income schools continue to have fewer resources to introduce and teach kids about technology, the larger the digital divide will become.
Because this trend is seen throughout the country, the article proposes that administrators who have the ability to mandate technology standards should focus on integrating them into the school systems. It also discusses the need to properly train teachers and use funding to ensure access to the appropriate technology. By adding these elements into the classroom, those students who normally would have fewer opportunities in a public, low-income school, may have opportunities equal to those in public, high-income schools.
Another trend that is mentioned in this article is how schools often integrate technology into areas of the curriculum that are not the main focus (i.e. social studies and science). Teachers feel more comfortable integrating technology into subjects like social studies and science because they are not comfortable with the integration. Because these subjects are often viewed as "not as important" (especially in the elementary grades), teachers are more willing to "practice" using technology during these times because they don't have to worry about the precious minutes they need for subjects like reading and math.
The article addresses this trend by saying that standards need to be created that force teachers to integrate technology standards with reading and math. Because the "real world" is incredibly technology centered, it would make sense that the two subjects that are most used in the real world should also be technology centered. By having an administrative position create these standards, the students would benefit from the introduction and practice with the technology.
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Jessicca, you chose another great article. What I find interesting about this article is that the funding issue is actually the opposite in my school system. The Title I schools in my county have far more technology in their schools than the non-Title I schools. In fact, most of our Title I schools have interactive whiteboards in each classroom, while many non-Title I schools have two or three for the entire school. Principals have been designating their Title I money on technology. Of course, I think this is a great investment. The other schools must rely on fundraisers to acquire most of their technology.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that technology standards should be put in place. First, they need to be enforced in the technology classrooms. Then incorporated into the other subject areas. There are some teachers who will never move to 21st century learning until the standards force them to. In a selfish aspect, technology standards would also solidify the importance of technology leaders within the school system and perhaps even create additional jobs.
I can see how high-income schools might receive more technology than low-income schools. I can see that alone, just in Cobb County. The school you [Jessicca] work at is in Cobb and the school I work at is in Cobb yet they are totally different in regards to the accessibility of technology. Your school has much more money through fundraisers and PTA, than our school because of the economic diversity. I also agree that it is causing a bigger digital divide. Teachers aren't as well trained because they do not have any technology to train with and practice the new technology skills they are learning.
ReplyDeleteAdministrators need to realize the importance of technology and include it in curriculum and the school budget.