Rethink: Chapter 3

It was interesting to read about what skeptics of technology thought. I definitely found some of their thoughts well grounded while others were a bit outlandish. I'm sure there's plenty of teachers who are very adamant about using technology within their classrooms. While that's great and everything, but about the students who don't have computers at their home? I know what the statistics said in the book, but I would still worry about students who were underprivileged and didn't have a computer at home to do their work on. Of course I was aware that there are things that never can be taught by computers. Even after reading the skeptics' point of view, I don't  understand if technology is beneficial to the education of the students, to why not incorporate. It might not be best to have a bunch of different technology within a given classroom, but I fail to see why it wouldn't work to use some technological resources within the classroom and have homework non technology based. I know it said that teachers generally use whole class instruction to get their point across, but using stations or centers in a rotation process could be just as effective. The teacher would still be able to maintain a sense of authority while the students are getting the best of both worlds. The skeptics' concerns come from a good place, but I feel like they aren't being entirely fair to all the good and help that technology offers. We are in a time where we need to look at each child's individual needs and from there customize a plan to fit them. And it might incorporate technology.

As a result of this reading, I feel that I'm more aware of where skeptics' are coming from in regards to technology. I'm a strong believer in knowing both sides of a story therefore you are better able to form your own opinion. I feel that that's what has happened. I believe I'm better able to teach students because I know both the benefits and shortcomings of using technology in my classroom. As stated in previous posts, technology is meant to enhance our teaching abilities, not replace them. Why on earth would I keep from students from using technology if it was benefiting them and they had access to it? Answer: I wouldn't.