Technology Users

It's great that the Department of Education is trying to get the public schools updated with technology. There are students out there that know more about using the computer than their teachers. There is still a problem with really getting technology fully implemented. At my school, for instance, we know that there is internet connection, but only in the first grade wing and the office. The teachers who need to go through the internet go to the office to use the "available" computer or bring their personal laptops down to get connected. There's a power school program that's being used, but only certain people know how to use it. The students are not allowed to bring in any electronic devices to school, in fear that it may get lost or stolen. The computers that our school is donated are either outdated, not internet-ready or just can't be used in the classroom except to collect dust. Let's get real-----technology is great, but there is a need to get the systems of operation up and working properly and keeping it fully maintained so that everyone in the school system has access to it.

Changing Perceptions

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

When it comes to learning new technologies, sometimes it's the adults that need to learn more than it is the children.  But what students don't know is how to use technology for something other than fun.  When they see new computers in their classrooms, most likely the first question will be "Does it have games?"  Children don't use technology in the workplace because they don't have jobs!  What they use technology for is entertainment.  Makes sense if you're a kid.  They don't normally use technology for learning because it hasn't been presented to them in that way.  That's the challenge you are facing now.  How will you change your students' perceptions of what technology is used for?

Related articles

• Creative Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom (timesoftexas.com)
• How People Learn (and What Technology Might Have to Do With It) (education.com)