Lately, I have been doing a bit of thinking about the much anticipated advancement of education due to the progression of technology in the classroom. Though, I'm not a classical educator, I do believe that there have been tremendous strides since circa 1985. Heck, I seem to recall that I may have used a computer in high school on a handful of occasions. In fact, in my close group of friends, only one of us had a computer. He was the guy that was truly the early adopter, with the Prodigy account and mobile telephone in the deft carrying case.
Suffice to say, that I did not use a personal computer in the classroom in one of the top 3 high schools in NYC. Yes, I did use a CNC machine, but that isn't a personal computer. I opted for the Mechanical Engineering curriculum, not the Computer Science track. So, we didn't get to use the Commodore 64 or Vic 20. I fully understand that having four or five PCs in the back of the classroom doesn't necessarily constitute a technology equipped curriculum. Nonetheless, it is a step in the right direction.
So, as stated earlier there have been huge advances, and I'm particularly encouraged by the work of grassroots organizations (EdTech Live, K12.org, LTSP) and others. The problem I continue to witness, stems from teachers who are either ill-equipped or unwilling to incorporate the technology.
Unfortunately, I don't think this problem can easily be solved. The other problem originates from poorly advised administrators within various municipalities. I would venture to guess, that most of these policy makers are of the baby boomer generation, and simply feel threatened by the change.
I really try not to be such a pessimist, but I do find it a bit disheartening to see countless examples of lost opportunities. At the end of the day, the children will suffer and lose out on opportunities.
In fact, if there is to be a paradigm shift, it will have to be the students that demand this change.
Update: Excellent conversation on technology in the classroom, compliments of Edtech Live
Al I agree with you %110. But I think there are more dimensions to the problem. Over the years Education has become watered down. There is no challenge to our kids. My wife became a Big Sister to a child in Allentown, PA and when she started to help the child with her 3rd grade Math, the child was guessing at the problems. My wife was concerned and said that is not how you do math (it was multiplication) and the child took out her book and notes and showed her where they were taught to guess the answer until they got it right. That is where I think we are going wrong. The curriculum in the schools is horrible and some of the teachers don't care. In some cases they are there just to collect a check and in others it was the only job they could get. No one in their right mind or someone that cares would teach this kind of stuff but it is happening and God knows what will happen to the little ones. Don't get me wrong there are great teachers out there but we do not have enough. That's another discussion. In any case another problem is how we are straying away from traditional principles that worked. There was a joke email that I got that showed the evolution of math. I think it sums up the issue of how we are not challenging our children and how stupid the curriculum is. See the just of it below:
1. Teaching Math In 1950
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?
2. Teaching Math In 1960
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?
3. Teaching Math In 1970
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math In 1980
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
5. Teaching Math In 1990
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers)
6. Teaching Math In 2006
I left out this part because I think we are still in the 90’s mode and it was racist in nature toward people of Latino descent, but you get the picture.
Education today is too touchy feely and not challenging and not only will our kids suffer but we will too! So technology is absent but it's not hard to see why and I don't think you want to use it. You know that old saying about programming, Garbage in Garbage out. So not only do we need to fix the technology issue but some others or you will have kids using computers in the wrong way!
Keep the Faith Change is coming, and If you can make a difference then be involved and take matters into your own hands. Actions speak louder than words!
Nubian Prince Out
Hey Alfred,
You came to New York and did not stop stop by to say hello??? It cool. Nice blog, keep expressing yourself thought's people can learn a thing or two or you just may make them say hmmmm???
Take Care!
Jackie:
Happy 2K7. Sorry we couldn't connect, my time @ home was much shorter than usual. I'll make sure that doesn't happen again ;) Thx for kind words..
Nubian:
My sentiments exactly, this new math is ridiculous. Whatever happened to the Trig, Euclidean Geometry, and Algebra? Heck, it was good enough for us..
It is amazing you relay such about schools, and education.
Here in Japan, kids still do work the old fashion way, with pencil and pen. And it is not touchy feely.. Also believe it or not, very very few homes have PC's.
Hum.. Why are we Americans so advanced in the classroom technology, yet slipping every year in literacy, and math/science, behind other nations.
Look at our Universities, they are filled not with "Americans" but with students from other nations.
Just thoughts and ramblings..
Bro, I'm not surprised about the dearth of home computers in Japan. Nonetheless, I wonder if the PC is superseded by gaming electronics (ie GameBoy, Atari, wii, etc). I would argue that children are now getting their first exposure to computers via gaming.