Access to Technology

[Jerry Cobbs]

I heard it again today--yet another teacher complaining that her students couldn't complete their assignments because of lack of access to computers at school. What should have been a 20 minute task ended up taking a whole day because the students had to take turns using the single computer in their classroom. What's worse, the complaint came during a training session in which 28 teachers were trying to use 18 computers in a lab. I wish I had some numbers showing how many used computers were discarded today by industry, just for comparison.

There was a time when basic educational supplies were scarce in this country. Students shared books, paper, slates, chalk, etc. Thankfully those days are past, with perhaps a few rare or extreme exceptions. Our society, both public and private sectors, has seen to it that students have those basic resources. While some districts struggle to provide the latest textbook editions, students by and large have the books they need for most subjects. In many districts schools are moving beyond textbooks, to learning modules which include additional materials and equipment to accompany texts. In our area a large biotechnology institute has helped to fund development and deployment of a middle school genetics module, in partnership with the state department of education.

It's time for educators, legislators, and industry leaders to realize that computers are no longer an adjunct or enhancement in the classroom. To today's students, a computer is paper, pencil, calculator, textbook, art supplies, and mode of communication. Just as the traditional textbook is giving way to the instructional module, it is time for the traditional, limited-access, special-assignment computer lab to give way to full technology integration into the learning environment.

Transitioning from textbooks to teaching modules takes flexibility and creativity. So does changing the way schools purchase, install, and use computers. Just as a mix of traditional and innovative textual materials is probably the best approach, so is a mix of "off the shelf" brand-name computer technology and innovative approaches such as hardware recycling, thin-client networking, and open-source software. Diversity is a good thing!

[Deborah Bemis]

"It takes technology access AND professional development to make it work." -Jerry you have it nailed in a nutshell with that statement!
This is the main issue I see with teachers in the schools I have worked in. A lot of my experience has come from not giving up and not being scared of the technology - I think that too many older teachers(ones who have been teaching for 10 years or more) still remember when cpu's were DOS based and pressing any wrong button could really mess things up. That and the fact that you have to understand how to use the computer & technology in order to get anything good from it. - GIGO - garbage in garbage out still is in evidence.

[Jerry Cobbs]

Mark, thanks for the great comments. I've seen the same kinds of things myself, and asked myself the same questions you have. There are great teachers out there, who by their own talent and love of learning turn out great students without the help of technology. But I think we have to ask, do we not have a responsibility to address in our educational approach something so transformative and pervasive as technology in today's society.

Love your blog--keep it up! I really like the article from Maine--they have the right idea. It takes technology access AND professional development to make it work.

As far as the operation--we are still on the ground floor, but we are trying to grow! If there's ever anything we can help you with let me know--we'd love to bring Project TREE to VA!

[Mark Outten]

Jerry, what is odd here is that our students HAVE the hardware and software, but still the teachers are finding reasons not to use it all. It leads me to ask questions like this (linking to my site, which is not done by the way):

http://www.edthink.org/

I don't know. I want to believe it's helping. But won't teachers KNOW. We have some GREAT teachers who don't use technology. They get great scores, teach beyond the standards and kids love them.

I really appreciate what you're doing. It looks like you have quite an operation going. Congrats and keep up the good work. And here's to hoping that we get to see real change in education in our lifetime!