I will be focusing on technology being implemented into schools and how I feel it should be utilized. I will also discuss the pros and cons towards implementing technology into our students education via the classroom.
First, technology is really important. In addition to continually advancing, changing and making our everyday lives more convenient, technology allows us to connect with one another in real time across small and vast distances. I believe that everyone should have basic life skills in how to operate technology in order to stay connected with family, peers, and teachers. My suggestion is that students should be trained and familiarized with the fundamentals of the tech world which will allow them to utilize the power of the internet for learning and peer collaboration.
But where do we start?
I believe that it is important for students to understand how to type, how to use the internet, how to download pictures and/or media for project use. I also believe it’s important for students to get training on how to use programs like Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint, Google Docs/ Classroom/Slides/, and be able to competently compose an email. These skills are important because they are the foundation towards anything else students could potentially do on the world wide web. By understanding how to communicate with others via email or within composition applications such as Google Docs students may find that their social media postings benefit from grammar and concept development.
When I was in school there was a class that was taught called Tech. This was an all-encompassing technical class that taught me the basics of how to use a computer as well as the programs mentioned above. Technology in my eyes is an everyday, practical skills students must have in order to succeed. For some, tech outside the classroom is difficult due to lack of resources, accessibility, and limited training.
How can I learn if I do not have tech outside of the classroom?
Today students are assumed to have tech skills prior to entering the classroom, but not every home or family has accessibility to technology or computers. Many times students do not have the resources to have the same technology that they have at school at their home. This is problematic when teachers assume they do. An option could be to host crowdfunding type of fundraiser where the community could donate gently used devices or funds for students to use. This idea is good in theory but not necessarily practical. The United States educational system is notoriously underfunded and even with crowdfunding attempts such as bake sales or fundraisers, schools are often left without sustainable funds to accommodate all of their students in need. This creates tension and often ends in a “none or all” mentality where no one receives donations. There is a real crisis for having equal access to this kind of technology within home environments and without more governmental funding I do not believe we would be able to sustain an environment where every student has equal opportunities.
One success in providing “techequity” is Santa barbara Unified School District, which pioneered 1-1 iPad use for all students, and provided basic internet to families for a nominal charge. Every student received the same technology and support, and thus had similar opportunities to engage with and learn with the technology.
Non-compatible operating systems and confusing formats.
As schools have struggled to keep up with the advances in technology, students have been expected to learn how to use multiple operating systems and formats. Schools often have to manage outdated computers with old operating systems in labs, newer chromebooks on carts, and out of date iPads with limited apps. In each instance, there is a lack of conformity for how to do basic skills like copying an image.
Cloud-based machines such as Chromebooks are quick, less expensive, and overall very hardy for teenagers getting familiarized with computers for the first time. Cloud-based machines are not ideal because users can’t save anything to the computer itself. This makes creating presentations and other media like PowerPoints frustrating because you can not insert media unless you are familiarize with cloud-based workflow.
Similarly to the limitations with Chromebooks, many households and schools believe that iPads/tablets are a suitable alternative to a PC computer. As a creator who has worked extensively in the technology field (mainly working on multimedia projects) I have experienced difficulty trying to be quick and efficient on an iPad or tablet.
The first step towards creating a healthy environment to teach technology in the classroom is to get the appropriate equipment. As TeachHub notes Ipads are notoriously difficult to use in the classroom setting, mentioning that the workflow is clunky and the over all interface is distracting. https://www.teachhub.com/advantagesdisadvantages-ipad-classroom
Does this mean I am anti-tech?
Absolutely not. I do think it is important to implement technologies in the classroom. The implemented system needs to have support put in place for all students. Beyond resources, we need to have teachers who understand how to utilize technology most efficiently and teach this to students. Training alone will not encourage students to become interested, instead I suggest the “teaching by doing” method which involves students to be more hands on. This creates a better more proactive understanding of technology for all individuals. For instance, using classroom-based applications such as Blackboard is really beneficial for students. Applications and websites specifically developed for classroom use engages their brains in a way that isolates students from the distractions of the rest of their computer or tablet.
Many schools actually have a parental Locking System that keeps the students involved in a specific application and does not let them wander off to other applications or get distracted. Having restrictions like these are important so students are not given the option to dilly-dally, become distracted, or accidentally end up in an inappropriate part of the internet. Another reason I believe incorporating technology in the classroom is important is because it creates a more visceral and stimulating experience for students. This website notes the vital use of multimedia in class projects. They list podcasts as a tool to help process content and more. https://www.prodigygame.com/blog/ways-to-use-technology-in-the-classroom/
#1 skill students should learn about technology – How to be safe online.
Lastly, when we talk about technology we must also talk about technological safety. Many minors have created fake accounts on social media platforms so that they can bypass the age restriction of 13 years old. These children do not understand the repercussions of the internet. Back in 2014 Snapchat had a lot of privacy breaches and children who had been posting privately suddenly had their accounts made public. This is one instance where children’s content was being used in an inappropriate matter. Are the parents to blame for allowing their child to create an account? We could ask ” why did they let their kids post these things” or “how didn’t they know” but in reality these kids were just being kids on a platform they thought was private and safe. They were not creating any sort of content that was purposefully inappropriate, it became inappropriate when adults used their content maliciously.
Our first priority in teaching technology is teaching how to be smart online in order to protect our youth. Having a comprehensive internet safety course taught in all schools would allow our children to be safer on the internet. This website offers good strategies for parents working to provide a safe space for their children to post on social media. https://www.akronchildrens.org/kidshealth/en/parents/social-media-smarts.htmlhttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/5-reasons-you-dont-need-to-worry-about-kids-and-social-media
Conclusion
Technology is really important. In order to achieve “techequity”, students must have equal access to and equal training in modern platforms and devices. Providing appropriate guidelines for safety, and comprehensive protocol for daily use will give all students the ability to access the power of the internet as a safe educational tool. Developing the ability of students to use applications and programs designed for classroom presentations, research, and collaboration will enhance the learning of this “screener” generation.
Mira's Take on Tech 