Since technology has been on the rise, so has the desire for
technology in the classroom. Teachers see it as a way to identify with the
younger population and speak in terms that they understand. There have been
both good and bad changes to the system to accommodate that want as well. Some
changes we hardly even notice because it just seems like second nature to us
now while other changes seem like teachers are just pushing too hard. For
example, when we go to write an essay, we automatically go to write it in a
word document. However, now some teachers are having you dissect virtual frogs
instead of real ones which completely takes away from the hands on learning
experience that some kids need in order to thrive.
Additionally, schools are now requiring you to have your own
personal computer. This severely limits those that cannot afford a computer.
And even then, I have personally seen students who were finally able to get a
computer, only for their families to fight over who got to use it or overly
limit their use so that the students could not get any productive work done.
Often times, it takes much longer for students to grow accustomed to using a
computer or the software if they show up late to the technology scene as well
and then they feel stunted and discouraged.
For the schools as a whole, technology can be very expensive
to embrace. First you have to buy hundreds of computers and their accessories, more
than likely build a computer lab, and spend money on the internet bill that
comes with it. As an after-thought, many school districts then have to deal
with tech support and spend time teaching students and educators how to use the
computers.
In my high school, we got a large grant to get more
technology and improve the existing computers. The school board decided that
they would buy smart-boards for select classrooms and computer labs as well as
a few class sets of I-pads that were to be passed around. I have never seen any
one of those smart boards used even once. The teachers found them difficult to
use and didn’t know how they worked and the students were never allowed to play
with them and figure out how they worked for themselves. So they just sat there
taking up space. The I-pads came out three times in my classes since they were
introduced. Half the time spent with them was trying to get the school Wi-Fi or
the software that we needed to use to even work properly; which proved such a
hassle and a waste of time that they were never seen again. I shouldn’t even
have to mention how much time was lost to students trying to find out a way to
play games on them instead of doing the assigned work.
A certain level of technology adaptation is to be expected
and rejoiced, however, if we over-do it to the point that it does not benefit
the majority or the classroom or becomes obsolete, the sentiment is lost.
This article talks more eloquently and in depth about the cost of technology on education.
"If
you want technology to improve the quality of education, you need to invest
both in the educator and the technology."
