2) Do you think that getting computers for all students should be a priority for Districts even though they already have a severely limited education fund?

 

 

No. I think the focus has to be on changing practice - moving to a more inquiry-based, guide-on-the-side approach to teaching. Until we change teaching practice, then it is a waste of money having laptops for each student. We all know teachers who would never use them. (Jenn)

I agree with Jenn, it would be a waste of money. There needs to be a better understanding of how we can use technology to enhance learning before the technology is mandated. If the focus is on the technology first and not the process of teaching and learning, the use of technology, if adopted, wont be effective. (Elizabeth)

!

Dunleavy mentioned a 1:1 program where teachers were required to undertake at least 2 major inquiry assignments with their students. The program opened the eyes of many of those teachers to just what students were capable of. Is this a case of the cart successfully pulling the horse, and do you think it's a viable method of improving instruction, ie, forcing teachers to make effective use of technology? --Jessica

I think it is an interesting strategy (providing technology with strings attached, like expectations of teaching inquiry units) to get teachers to use the technology and for some teachers, it probably will open minds to greater possibilities. However putting the funds toward developing a bigger shift in thinking about the way we teach before we focus on technology will produce better results for all learners in the long run.

I agree. Isn't it reassuring to know that warm human bodies still trump computers? Like anything, from grand pianos to operating theatres, the materials are only as valuable as their handlers make them. (Linda)

I also agree with Jenn and Jessica; more computers doesn't mean a more effective learning environment. In my library there are about 14 computers and there are handful of teachers that I never, ever see and they would never use computers. There are also a couple of teachers who don't use the computers for research or to create presentations, movies, etc. They use them for word-processing and nothing more. It is a constant battle for library time! Those teachers believe that if we just had more computers everything would be fine- I don't think that's the case. We need to be able to use computers more effectively and educate teachers about what they should be used for. We have older computers that could be used for word processing, so we don't need to bog down the library 4 periods out of 6 for word processing. It has been a frustration for the past couple of years! (Katie)

No 1:1 computers should not be a priority. Small pilot projects with small classes is a way to test the waters and research the benefits and challenges. One challenge from last year's pilot project (that used gr. 8 & 9's) was several students didn't look after the laptops well, not using the proper bags for transportation etc. The district moved the pilot to grade 6 & 7 and is having more positive results in this area. Walk before we run. (Val)

It sounds like most of us are in agreement on this one; teachers need to think more about changing their practices before laptops should become a priority. Just as was mentioned in Kadijevich's study, computers may be readily available, but if teachers have no interest (or are not ready to incorporate them into their practices) they will sit idle. Attention will have to be paid to improving technology, but it must happen at an appropriate time in the spectrum of teacher professional development. (Ronda)

I agree with you about the fact that we need to prioritize this implementation, howver I really don't think we, as teachers, will have much to do with the decision. I think the District would likely push this on employees if it were to take off. Like we chatted about in one of our discussions, we don't have much to say about some of the important decisions that affect us the most. For example FSA testing, we have nothing to say about whether or not that is done. As Dunleavy suggests I think it will be a long time before we see these changes in all schools...although it is scary to think its already happening so close to us. Dunleavy's article focuses primarily on intermediate grades...what do you think about the effects of this idea on primary grades?-Jean

I would also echo what Jenn said. Spend a significant amount of time and energy to promote student inquiry among teachers. The benefits are potentially great and long term. If a teacher catches the vision of starting a fire within their students and really helping them to think critically, the payoff will be there year after year. A tool such as a laptop ought to be available when it provides the best solution to a problem. (John)

This disucssion reminds me of an article I read earlier in the course from Washingtonpost.com - "A School That's Too High on Gizmos" -  technology for the sake fo technology without regard for what is best for students.  When I first read it, I thought if only....  However, it does imply the importance of ensuring that teachers have 

- basic technological skills and competencies

- motivation, desire, positive attitude

- knowledge of pedagogy and curriculum related to technology

- the knowledge of the relevance of technolgy to 21st century learning

These are some of the things that must be in place for 1:1 to be successful. arlene

I think we are still a long way off from having 1:1 laptops although wireless networks are becoming more common.   I know that there are about half a dozen schools in our district piloting 1:1 laptops.  I think they are mainly in small special needs classes, where students have been identified as having learning disabilities, or with at-risk student populations.  I believe that it is part of a larger provincial pilot project called emerge Wilreless Learning Project.  A literature review (pdf) is also available at the site.  I've only skimmed it so far but thought I would share it.  arlene

Thanks for sharing that Arlene...definitely food for thought!  I also agree...we will likely have settled many of these insecurities by the time 1:1 laptops are implemented, if they ever are!-Jean