This article traces the introduction and the beginnings of the integration of technology in Chicago schools. As in the following article there is a crucial next step that they are facing. One of the key difficulties facing them is that they really have no measurement in place as to the impact and value of technology in their schools. Also, principals have control over the funds given them for technology and can only be advised on how to spend it. At the time of the article Chicago schools had come a long way in getting technology into schools. With the help of Universities they are building a model for support that after a five year project will hopefully continue in the support of principals and teachers in training and advice on integrating technology. The problem is that there are too few people to help with multiple schools sharing one advisor. The hope is the this schools and others like it would have a measurement for the impact of technology and an active and effective training and support system. Unfortunately, if schools don't get it together, we may have to wait for the next generation to bring their computer skills with them.
The Next Step
Now that schools have technology, it's time to let the technology transform schooling
By Howard D. Mehlinger
The focus of the last ten years, or so, has been to add technology to schools. Now we are ready for the "next step" of integrating technology into the current curriculum and classroom activities. Many schools have large portions of their teaching staff who are ill prepared to use technology to enhance learning in their individual classrooms. It has been established by this article that teachers need to be brought along in stages to the ultimate goal. This takes time support staff and money. It is not enough to have a computer in a classroom you have to build computer use into the routine of the class. Computer use should be more than seeking out information or for drill and practice. Computer use should involve problem solving and critical thinking skills. Computers help analyze and manage information putting students more in the place of managing their own learning. This all requires "planning" on the part of school and a willingness to train teachers and support them in an ongoing basis.
2 comments:
I agree computers should be used more than just research and drill/practice. Most teachers teach their students only what they know and comfortable with. Like my school, most lessons are done on powerpoint. Its fun and quite easy to use. In order to properly teach our students technology, we need to educate our teachers. The teachers also needs to be provided the proper tools. So where do we start? With the teachers on educating or with the district on providing the correct tools? Computers can be a fun and interesting way of teaching, if you know more than just the basics.
Very interesting comment by Ann-marie, on where do we start? With the district giving schools the tools or with training on how to use them. We all complain about having the technology and not getting the training we need, but would we need the training if we didn't have the equipment?
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