I think it’s important to incorporate technology into the classroom and help your student’s learn about technology by having it available to them and teaching them about it. But, I have to agree with the author’s of the text that technology is very expensive. It’s not just a buy once, but you have to keep them updated and all the software has to be purchased. With technology you then have to hire individuals who can keep it updated and fix it if something happens. This can be very expensive. In today’s economy, schools are having a hard enough time trying to get referendums passed so they don’t have to lay off teachers. I would hate to see it come down to laying off teachers so the school can have the newest technology.
I do not agree that having computers will create a noisy environment and that makes using computers risky to teachers. Yes, the students may discuss their experiences with the computer, but I think students can be taught that at certain times, the computer time is quiet. In Ed 302, we are discussing a technique called the Daily 5; where students build stamina to read to themselves for a certain amount of time. Even if the students are making noise while on the computers, I think it’s a positive thing that the students are sharing their experiences or ideas with others.
Throughout this chapter, I felt like each argument was created like technology was replacing the teacher. Personally, I don’t think this would ever happen. I feel that technology is just going to strengthen our teaching by allowing us to show our students what they can do and teach them how to use technology properly. Students can go home and use the computer and internet, but are they going to learn what is appropriate and safe? Maybe, but maybe not. But, we as teachers should feel privileged that we will be helping our students learn this, and we will also be learning it ourselves.
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