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.