American Schooling

It was very interesting to read in Allan Collins and Richard Halverson's book, Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology about the evolution of schools throughout history and the ramifications that today's technology is placing on education (Chapter 4).  Collins and Halverson stated that "By the 21st century, we have seen great technological and social changes that have yet to be reflected in the schools." (p.62)  I personally feel that most schools are so financially tight with money due to continuous state budget cuts, which as a result has hindered progress in the advancement of technology in its schools.  My classroom has 2 computers for student use, as well as access to a laptop cart that comes with many broken or difficult set-up procedures that lessens the ease of using them in class.  The computer lab is used only for Specials rotations, where each class in the building will have one quarter designated to the use of the lab with another teacher.  I also find that with the focus on planning with your grade level team, the structure of instructional time is not conducive to implementing independent, project-based learning using technology resources to learn.  I wish I felt more free to break away from the "team" and set-up instructional time differently, and put the responsibility of learning more in the hands of the students.  I have huge expectations, especially since I just started this 5th grade teaching position on October 8th!  You would think that since I am the oldest member of my team (I'm 46, they are 28 and 31) that I would be the one resisting change and they would be the ones pushing for technology integration.  I'm hoping that after I have had a chance to experience a full year of "new to me" curriculum, that over the summer I will be able to plan for more technology integration for next year.

I do believe that educators with have to adapt to changes in the way we teach, and very soon.  I believe that schools need to find a way to provide the updated technology resources needed, and the training for educators to successfully use it.  I also think that the focus on Common Core is superseding all other priorities at the moment. We are not truly preparing our students to meet future expectations in the workplace, in my opinion.

Collins, Alan & Halverson, Richard. Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology: The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America. Teachers College Press, Columbia University, 2009.