Journal 2

After the introduction of laptops for every student within her school district, Sahara McFarlane of The Laptops Are Coming! The Laptops Are Coming! reflects on the impact of a technologically driven school system. What she comes to realize are that there are “potential promises and perils” to using technology in the classroom. One such promise of technology is that it allows students who are more reserved and contemplative to have a voice through mediums like online discussion boards. Students also have greater access to information and tools to better complete assignments, as well as gain more technology skills needed for this digital age.

But as the author states, “universal access solves some problems, but presents new ones”. For teachers, having computers in the classroom and a technologically driven school system means having to change lesson plans to integrate these new tools and ideas. As a result, there is less time to address other important topics, such as the curriculum or behavioral problems as so much time is spent on learning new software and applications. Even more distressing is the disconnection between teachers and students\\ as they spend more time interacting with their computer instead of with each other. The author also notes that technology in the classroom is altering the way that we think and learn, such as confusing finding information with understanding information. Another significant issue is the difficulty for some to keep up with the emerging technology. One specific group that is adversely affected are ELL students who need to hear the spoken word as opposed to just reading it on online applications like blogs. Thus, the use of computers in the classroom is actually a hindrance to them due to the lack of in-class discussions and interaction. In short, after a year of integrating laptops within her school district, the author finds that while technology has some benefits and allows groups and individuals to express themselves through different means, technology may also negatively shape our relationships and way of learning.

Question 1: How can teachers integrate computers in the classroom while maintaining some of the traditional methods of teaching?

An important lesson that the author addresses is the need to avoid the over-emphasis of technology in the classroom. While it is important for schools to introduce technology into their curriculum, they must not rid of traditional teaching all together. Teachers can integrate technology in the classroom by having some assignments and discussions that require the use of computers, while also having some that require students to work together or individually without the use of technology. There must be a balance.


Question 2: To what extent do schools have the ability to monitor computers?

In the article, the author refers to the overbearing nature of the school in monitoring the use of computers by both teachers and students. This Big Brother persona that the school has taken can certainly be a distraction and even a violation of their privacy rights. While I do not how much legal power school’s have in monitoring personal laptops given to students, this will become a greater issue as more schools have laptops in the classroom, thus a line must be drawn.

Citation
McFarlane, S. H. (2008). The laptops are coming! The laptops are coming!. Rethinking Schools Online, 22, Retrieved 07 18, 2008, from http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/22_04/lapt224.shtml