I believe that technology should be an important part of my classroom, even if some of my students don't have outside access to computers. Technology skills are essential for all students to learn, even if they're currently unable to make use of those skills outside the classroom. More and more jobs require these skills and as a teacher I wouldn't be fully preparing my students if I didn't give them instruction on such an important part of the work world.
It's tempting to cut back on technology in the classroom so that those who are less privileged in their access don't feel discriminated against, telling ourselves that those who do have access already have strong skills, but students suffer when technology is eliminated or severely restricted. Most teens don't create power point presentations in the sanctity of their bedrooms, or learn to use academic databases while hanging out with their friends, so even kids with strong ties to technology will benefit from exposure to it in the classroom. And if we neglect to teach students without outside access these important skills we will be crippling their ability to find jobs in the future.
One way to increase access would be for me to open my classroom before and after school to anyone who needs more time on the computer. I could also give my students information about Free Geek, which would allow them to volunteer their time and earn a refurbished computer. I could even look into scheduling a field trip to Free Geek so that all of my students could learn more about it as a community resource. I would also look into grants and other opportunities that might be available to help increase the exposure to technology of those in need.
Free Geek is a great program! And I agree that what students are doing on their computers in their off time is not automatically preparing them for the future workplace. Teaching students how to be smart consumers of information as well as users of the technology for acquiring the information is critical. And I don't think all of those lessons are quite as radically new as some of these articles portray. The ability to find good search terms, recognize credible, reliable sources and organize information are not much different than when the search was in the stacks of the library. The toys are much cooler, but the nitty gritty data crunching is using many of the same principles. And we need to be sure our students get those skills as well as the tech skills. Gee... we have a lot of work to do!
ReplyDeleteNoelle...I couldn't agree with you more when you said that just because students have access to computers they are doing PowerPoint, Excel, or other programs. I think a computer class is imparative in school! I personally feel a couple of computers in the classroom as well is good for research projects and gives those students the extra ability to be on the computer when they might not get that at home. I agree with what Alexis said to about still having to do the "nitty gritty" still when it comes to finding the data and making sure sources are credible. Great post and yes, as educated we have a lot to integrate but if we can do it we can reach a lot of students!
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