(NETS-T 1,2,3,4)
McClintock Miller, S. (2011). Student voices for change. Learning and Leading, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-august-2011.aspx
McClintock Miller, S. (2011). Student voices for change. Learning and Leading, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-august-2011.aspx
A revolution is occurring in education in Iowa. It is starting at a school called Van Meter where every student from grade 5-12 is given an individual laptop. This venture has changed how the students at Van Meter are learning and interacting with their own education. It has provided them with countless opportunities to delve into subject matter they are passionate about, create something original, and have conversation with professionals from all over the world. When the school presented their advances at an educational conference in Iowa the most shocking aspect was that the students themselves were presenting their achievements to the audience. Ranging from grades 5-12 each student proudly displayed their individual accomplishments in their schoolwork using the technology now available to them. Each student had something distinct to say say about their accomplishments. One student had created an entire city virtually, in 3D. One student had used skype and facebook to have a conversation with her favorite author. The legislators were blown away by how well-versed the children were in using technology to their educational advantage. One legislator even asked at the end of the presentations: "So what can we do to get out of your way and let you go?" This question shows the impact the presenters had on the educational community. One student even recognized that she is paving the way for future students and that this was a historical moment in the advancement of education. The hope is, of course, that someday in the not-so-distant future, every student will have their own computers in school and be allowed access to all the success that the students at Van Meter have had. As a nation, we've a long way to go from here to reach that goal. But after seeing the successes it has had at an Iowa school, I would say it should be one of our priorities to get every child a computer at school. And slowly but surely, we are moving towards that goal.
If it were so easy, we would give every child in school their own computer tomorrow. But, as we know, it is not that simple. The major hurdle to overcome in this is funding. Where and how can schools find the money to start such a huge financial project?
Money, or lack thereof, is major hurdle for schools in accomplishing anything nowadays. With massive budget cuts, it is making it harder and harder for schools to provide as many programs and resources as they would like to their students. In private schools it is easier to achieve tasks like this because they can simply raise tuition, but in public school, it is much harder. Fundraisers are the easiest way to bring money in to the school. Asking for donations from parents or local businesses is another way to bring in money. The good thing about this investment is that it is basically a one-time fee, once you have the computers the students are all set. And it is an investment that will definitely pay off, because it will greatly benefit the students.
Once students are allowed access to computers in school, are the teachers prepared to guide students through these modern computer programs?
In all honesty, I believe that most of the teachers out there are not currently prepared to take on such tasks. Many older teachers are very oblivious to all the technologies available. And if they are aware of them, I'm sure they have not figured out how to use these programs to educational advantage. Even amongst the younger generations of teachers, I feel that many credential programs do not provide future teachers with the knowledge and skill to operate these programs in their benefit. I know my undergraduate university certainly didn't. It is for this reason that I am thankful to be part of the program at Cal State San Marcos where they recognize the advantage in advancing technologies. But unfortunately, I think overall, teachers coming into the workforce are unprepared to keep up with growing technologies and are unknowledgeable in how to utilize them in the classroom.
If it were so easy, we would give every child in school their own computer tomorrow. But, as we know, it is not that simple. The major hurdle to overcome in this is funding. Where and how can schools find the money to start such a huge financial project?
Money, or lack thereof, is major hurdle for schools in accomplishing anything nowadays. With massive budget cuts, it is making it harder and harder for schools to provide as many programs and resources as they would like to their students. In private schools it is easier to achieve tasks like this because they can simply raise tuition, but in public school, it is much harder. Fundraisers are the easiest way to bring money in to the school. Asking for donations from parents or local businesses is another way to bring in money. The good thing about this investment is that it is basically a one-time fee, once you have the computers the students are all set. And it is an investment that will definitely pay off, because it will greatly benefit the students.
Once students are allowed access to computers in school, are the teachers prepared to guide students through these modern computer programs?
In all honesty, I believe that most of the teachers out there are not currently prepared to take on such tasks. Many older teachers are very oblivious to all the technologies available. And if they are aware of them, I'm sure they have not figured out how to use these programs to educational advantage. Even amongst the younger generations of teachers, I feel that many credential programs do not provide future teachers with the knowledge and skill to operate these programs in their benefit. I know my undergraduate university certainly didn't. It is for this reason that I am thankful to be part of the program at Cal State San Marcos where they recognize the advantage in advancing technologies. But unfortunately, I think overall, teachers coming into the workforce are unprepared to keep up with growing technologies and are unknowledgeable in how to utilize them in the classroom.
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