http://ceep.indiana.edu/projects/PDF/PB_V4N4_Spring_2006_Education_Technology.pdf
Review/Summary: This article is written by Vincent J.Palozzi and Terry E. Spradlin for the state of Indiana. It provides information in a brief to the state government in the hopes of creating a state-wide policy towards educational technology. The article provides information comparing various Midwest states (Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, etc) and information from states such as Maine and Georgia. At the end of the article, the authors list their recommendations. These include following the state of Maine in providing wireless networks and laptop computers to students who do not have any. The authors state that Maine witnessed a rise in student performance. They also included a recommendation for finding a way to assess a teachers ability to use educational technology.
My thoughts: I enjoyed reading this article and wished that I could have found a similar document for the state of Tennessee. I am originally from Iowa and I was interested in seeing another Midwestern state's policy towards educational technology. The idea of providing wireless networks and computers to students seems to be a good one, but there are too many pitfalls in my opinion. School districts would have to deal with insurance issues and theft, as well as, finding a way to monitor the students and their use of the equipment at home. Students or others at the household may use the technology to search for pornography or other unsavory things. I applaud the idea of assessing teachers and their use in educational technology. The state of Tennessee also requires that teachers complete a training program over a time period of a few years. Overall I thought this article was illuminating and I hope to find a similar one for Tennessee.
I love the idea of providing students who do not have the technology at home, but I have seen from experience who that could be taken advantage of by siblings, parents, or other family members. In my building the middle school children are provided with the latest technology in gaming systems, furniture, etc. But they either destroy, attempt to steal, or completely display a lack of respect for the somenone else's property. Working with students who have special needs, I've also learned that some of the assistive technology that is provided to them can't be taken home due to the reasons listed above.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to consider that students were given laptops. I believe laptop could mean several different configurations. I wonder if the wireless networks were at the school, and the laptops could be taken home. I can't see a school system providing internet service for a home. If it used something like a 5-spot, there would have to be a phone signal. Additionally, if they did provide wireless, I would imagine there were some kind of filter, just like at school. I am all for providing hand held somethings for etextbooks and any and all technology.
ReplyDeleteWhere in Iowa?
ReplyDeleteI lived in Vinton IA near Cedar Rapids. One day I plan on visiting during the school year and go to my younger brother's school. He is a 6th grader and I would love to see how his district works!
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