WOW! I never thought schools were using tools like iPod Touch’s in their rooms! I believe this is a wonderful idea! I am sure any student would be more than happy to type on one to do assignments. I am a firm believer in technology in the classroom, especially when it produces results that show youth are more engaged and learn more. I would love to see it expanded to all schools!
However, with this technology comes one concern, what about the school who cannot afford to have technology in their classes? What about those children? I that funding in schools is not beneficial to certain areas where things like technology could really make a difference. I suppose the counter argument to this would be “If these schools can barely afford new text books, why would they buy technology.”
My Answer: Some of these schools could just get rid of textbooks all together and use something like a kindle or iPad for textbooks. I really think these would be easier on schools because instead of having to having to get textbooks for every class, student and subject; they could easily be downloaded to the piece of technology. Further, most textbooks are expensive! If one student has 5 classes and each book is an average of $100, it would be the same as spending $500 on an iPad, it a Kindle which is even cheaper!
Then again, there is so much politics and policy involved that I see it as a major challenge in education. However, it will be a wonderful day when technology is in every classroom.
Blake, you have already hit on one of the most frustrating aspects of teaching in my opinion - the politics and policy! It's a shame, but a part of life. ANd as I learned the hard way, the sooner teachers learn to work with and through their school's system, the better for them and their students.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a good point about the expensive of text books vs ipads. I was wondering how this idea would affect take home assignments though. Would students be allowed to take them home in the evenings?
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