“Access to instructional technology is not enough for today’s students. Students must be technologically fluent and able to use technology to solve problems with various sources of information, create new representations of their knowledge, and enhance their learning through the diverse strategies afforded by technology. Students without these skills are at a decided disadvantage in terms of future educational and employment opportunities in our global, technological, and information-based society.” I know this is a long quote but I think it is long and complicated way of talking about social justice. Also, I don’t feel the term social justice really fits this definition. Maybe it is my own perception but I feel it should have something to do with law enforcement. But I get it, I understand. We have a huge problem with dealing with students and school districts where money might be tight and technology experience and opportunities will be lacking.
I think this is going to be a huge problem. It is going to be something that isn’t going to go away and something that has to tackled head on. I want to believe we will have computers in the classroom with access for all students so they can accomplish tasks during school hours. But sometimes that just isn’t going to be possible. So what do we do…as of right now, I have no clue. If the school has the capability to have computers than a lot time will be spent working on projects in class so that each student has the opportunity to work equally on the computer no matter what economic status is.
A disservice to students by not using technology in the classroom is a rough way to put it. I am not sure if it is the right way to put it. I think it is more of a hit on the teacher and their teaching style if they don’t use the technology in the classroom. It is something right now in the age we live in that has to be utilized and used to our advantage. Why not use something that the school district provides (if they have access) and something the students love and are attracted to. It is something that is going to draw them in anyway, take advantage of that and use it to our ability!
The only way to make things easier on the students who don’t have the ability at home to be on the computer is to incorporate it into the class. If there are projects or assignments that need to be done with technology we need to have them in class so we can give them time. Class work time is vital to helping them get the time and experience they need with technology to advance with the assignment/project and be able to stick with the class. We need to be able to not single anyone student out for something they have no control over. By giving them work time during class, we can bring technology into the classroom as well as give every student the ability and opportunity to work with it!
Unfortunately I think we don't have the luxury of letting teachers decided how to teach based on their "style". An old-school teacher who isn't comfortable with technology will be turning out students who aren't as comfortable and fluent with it as they should be. And there are lots of such teachers out there. I think the state needs to address this lack, and start training those established teachers who need more technology skills so they have the ability to give our youth what they need to succeed in today's marketplace.
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