In response: The Misuse of Money

You'll want to read this: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/01/03/the-frontier-of-classroom-technology/a-misguided-use-of-money

I have been convinced that technology is an essential tool that must be used in the classroom and will provide students with the relevant preparation needed for higher education and future careers. However the question that remains is “who will implement the instruction through this technology?”

As Thomas explains, technology is nothing more than an expensive paperweight if the instructor is not competent enough to use it properly. Tablets, laptops, and smartboards are incredible tools with the potential to transform classrooms, allowing the students and teachers to access a wealth of information displayed in a variety of mediums to meet the various types of learners’ needs. Yet far too many classrooms in far too many schools have computers that are never turned on, laptop carts that remain locked in a closet and computer labs that are rarely visited by a student. A teacher at my school was given an Ipad when she started teaching yet has not taken it out of its box. This kind of waste is mind boggling! I could make a connection between this complete lack of engagement by teachers and the budget deficits existing in education and other government bureaucracies, but that is a tangent not worth walking down.

Even more important than the technology is the competence of classroom teachers. Administrators need to more diligent when making choices about hiring and promotions by checking references, frequent observations and reviewing their students’ achievement data. After the hiring, meaningful professional development must be required so that teacher will continue to be proficient in relevant instructional practices. It is my belief that a strong teacher that cares about their students’ development will embrace any technology tool that makes instruction more effective. Good teachers are reflective practitioners who are constantly looking for more creativity and engaging ways to teach. The more interested the students are and the more fun they are having, the easier classroom management becomes. Everyone is happier when students are engaged and learning.

Technology alone cannot transform education. Good teachers in an analog classroom can only go so far. Put technology in hands of a skilled educator, however, and the possibilities become endless.