Are Schools Inhibiting 21st Century Learning? by Dave Nagel
Nagel discusses the issue with the lack of technology access in school that results in inhibiting learning in schools. He uses data from surveys that demonstrate the restrictions imposed on students and educators alike. Web filtering policies that are in place to help students restrict their access to some areas that would benefit their research and their learning are the very policies that keep them from benefiting from technology. Educators can’t fully implement technology strategies because of these restrictions. The vast majority of those surveyed (educators, administrators, and students) believe that there are some pitfalls in online learning, especially in collaborative environments, such as not abiding by the proposed use like personal use, most believe that technology is essential to learn different ways to solve complex problems and stay engaged.
Why is it necessary for students to have an opportunity to online learning environments?
It is very obvious that education is moving closer to online learning environments to allow students additional access to conversations that continue beyond the confines of the classroom and the time limits of schools. Students will be required to participate in online projects for many of their classes at the university level. The earlier they are exposed to such environments, the better equipped they will be to function and succeed in such environments. Also, students will be better prepared for the working environment because many of the technologies that will help them in school are already being used in the business world.
How can students at the pre-college/university level have access to online learning environments?
Nagel’s article does address this issue. He believes mobile technologies can be part of the solution to allowing more students access to online learning environments: 1:1 laptops, research databases, and interactive whiteboards. Although having access to hardware may prove to be more difficult, districts can make student learning more beneficial if some of the web filtering policies were more practical and less restrictive. Educators may not be able to plan assignments and students may not have the flexibility when districts limit what sites they have and don’t have access to.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Journal #9
Technology Immersion Turns Around Texas Middle School by Linda L. Briggs
Briggs discusses how a school in Corpus Christi and how the technology immersion was instrumental in raising their students’ test scores since participating in this pilot program. The program outfits every teacher and student with a laptop computer for classroom use. Teachers are instructed in the new technology by an independent technology firm and are trained to use computers by maintaining the state standards and curriculum. Briggs explains that the majority of students receive free lunch and approximately one third of the students are in Gifted and Talented Education (GATE). Briggs also claims that the staff development is an important factor in the success of the school’s technology program. Teachers place homework assignments, follow-up questions to projects, grades, study strategies, and a host of other tools to work with students outside of class.
What are the benefits of having students and teachers equipped with their individual computer?
I feel the benefits are very obvious. If they (students) are being instructed by technologically proficient educators, the benefits would be endless. Students have access to a world bigger than the classroom they work in. Students can generate better quality work because they have a computer that gives them access to more data and information than their teacher can give them access to in the classroom. Students can also learn about how to collect this information on their own.
What are some of the potential problems students may experience when they leave this school with all its technological access for students?
While there may be some difficulty adjusting to a school that doesn’t have the same access to computers as this middle school, I feel that students will a broader understanding and willingness for learning. I believe students will be in a better position to feel they are in control of their education and better equipped for independent learning.
Briggs discusses how a school in Corpus Christi and how the technology immersion was instrumental in raising their students’ test scores since participating in this pilot program. The program outfits every teacher and student with a laptop computer for classroom use. Teachers are instructed in the new technology by an independent technology firm and are trained to use computers by maintaining the state standards and curriculum. Briggs explains that the majority of students receive free lunch and approximately one third of the students are in Gifted and Talented Education (GATE). Briggs also claims that the staff development is an important factor in the success of the school’s technology program. Teachers place homework assignments, follow-up questions to projects, grades, study strategies, and a host of other tools to work with students outside of class.
What are the benefits of having students and teachers equipped with their individual computer?
I feel the benefits are very obvious. If they (students) are being instructed by technologically proficient educators, the benefits would be endless. Students have access to a world bigger than the classroom they work in. Students can generate better quality work because they have a computer that gives them access to more data and information than their teacher can give them access to in the classroom. Students can also learn about how to collect this information on their own.
What are some of the potential problems students may experience when they leave this school with all its technological access for students?
While there may be some difficulty adjusting to a school that doesn’t have the same access to computers as this middle school, I feel that students will a broader understanding and willingness for learning. I believe students will be in a better position to feel they are in control of their education and better equipped for independent learning.
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