Comments about ‘Data, critics question value of technology in the classroom’

Mixed use of technology and traditional methods in the classroom is certainly the right way to go; too heavily aimed to one side or the other will result in similar imbalances in the learning of children.

I worked at an early advocate for technology in the classroom and the abilities of teachers and students to effectively use technology in schools has surpassed what even we expected back in 1997.

Just a thought but maybe the students mentioned in the school that are using technology are learning more than the information to do well on bubble tests. Maybe they are learning how to use technology in imaginative and important ways that will prepare them for the actual future...

Technologically inclined students know how to find the answer, get information, present it in a lively way and then move on to the next project. These skills don't translate to bubble tests but will serve them well in real life.

"Just a thought but maybe the students mentioned in the school that are using technology are learning more than the information to do well on bubble tests."

I don't know about "more". Probably "different". I believe some of what they learn is useful, but not all.

"Maybe they are learning how to use technology in imaginative and important ways that will prepare them for the actual future..."

I'm afraid you're right. The actual future seems to involve wasting hours each day on Facebook.

Technology in the classroom may not be the answer if it's technology alone. What makes technology effective is to both have it there and to train teachers in how to use and teach with it.

It's time for education to get realistic and make note that we are in an economic crisis and funding is being put at risk for basic school needs. All future plans and planning should be put on hold indefinetly and technology is not a must have toy for the schools to play with.

Society at large and government at large are all broke penniless, jobless, and schools are not impervious to major funding cuts.

Maybe its time for the public to start putting the brakes on education spending and making our legislators remove the county's power of taxation without representation. These schools talk like they have the power to tax us with impunity and disregard for economic conditions. Schools should not and do not have the power to regulate and adjust taxes for their own purpose.

One more story the Dnews and our legislature can use to cut funding for something related to education.

Of course our kids need to learn using these devices. For many, they will never have these in their own homes until they get a job and join the workforce. Their own parents can't provide them.

We need to support our kids. I gladly pay my taxes that go towards our schools.

Yes. Let's purchase a bunch more technology for our schools and students. The old days of encyclopedias were boring. Using technology the past 10-15 years has really improved the educational level of our citizens. Students can now do research papers by simply downloading and printing. Colorful power points have increased student behavior, motivation, test scores, and interest.

"Why we waste time teaching kids to write with paper and pencil thingy? Grog survive with stone and chisel. Grog no like kids using fancy new technology. Grog want kids to stay in stone age!"

Signed,
Grog