This is worth the read, "Is technology in schools the future or just a fad?"
But most studies conclude that for computers and other technology to have much effect on student performance, a number of conditions are necessary: Teachers have to be technologically adept; classroom assignments have to allow for exploration; and curricula have to abandon breadth for depth.Although schools have made changes in some of those areas, particularly increasing teachers' technical proficiency, the predominant uses of computers remain word processing, heavily filtered Internet searches and the occasional PowerPoint presentation. In addition, with pressure rising to improve test scores, more schools have embraced skill-drilling software that contributes little to long-term student learning, observers say.
Let's grade ourselves on the three conditions identified in the rubric above:
- teachers have to be technologically adept: C- (spotty areas of expertise, but generally under-trained; barely passing)
- classroom assignments have to allow for exploration: C (accessibility still falls short)
- curricula have to abandon breadth for depth: F (standardized test scores rule)
My total lack of optimism stems from what I am seeing now. Overwhelmed teachers are using computers and technology to meet reporting and administrative needs...and that is all they have time to do in the area of technology. I disagree totally that educational technology is a fad...but neither teachers, administrators, or politicians have embraced what it means to integrate technology into a child's learning experience.
Disagree with me, please...I'm feeling the need for encouraging words