Ray A. James
ETEC 557-01W
Date: 3 February 04
ABSTRACT NUMBER 3
CITATION:
Gillan, Bud (2003) Crossing the Great Divide with Networks, Teaching, and
Interactivity.Library Media Connection, 22(3), 38-42. [Available online at:
http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=11190989&db=tfh]
SUMMARY:
This study is about students in a classroom who lack curriculum guidelines, accessibility to computers, and technical problems due to logistics that make learning technology ineffective or with limited use. The problem in the study is that software is often out of date and network technology is noncompliant that stirs up many schools and classrooms.
Technology gaps are so great that integration often does not work. Often the student has more computer knowledge than what is being taught. The problem is the students interfere with school systems where an 8th grade might hack into the school’s administrative server, through professionally installed firewalls, and then make changes to the grade book. The other problems are that students aren’t learning core classes and the true value of an education maybe slipping.
Teachers in the article are not always on-task with students who may not even be theirs and maybe loading software on computers in class that can’t be used properly. Often computers are being used to chat with slang English that is driven by the student not the teacher. Districts need new mobile networks with remote technical support.
Furthermore, issues about leaving “no child behind,” needs to be broaden to include teachers when implementing the three I’s of learning that essential to learning that are: interaction, individualism, and interesting topics. However, this would not be possible without a technology environment that creates learning.
PERSONAL REACTION:
Students need to be taught to have patients, and understanding of computer terminology, and to follow – strict guidelines when on-line conducting their studies. Principals, administrators, and teachers need to set written rules that show obedience, loyalty, and proper learning while in class. All students are capable of learning computer technology and should be given an equal opportunity to perform. All students should have their own computer with a password and daily activities with computer software that shows prompts, weekly reflections, and assignments with guided practice.
All computer classes need lab guides or tutors that can help students stay on-task. The teacher goal would be to keep the students with the correct assignments while demonstrating proper techniques; workshops and meeting with Dept. Heads would keep all students following TEK guidelines when feasible.
Technology and the learning gap, according to the article are solvable with new software that supports systems that have been updated. Good software brings the drive in technology. I feel we all can learn to be more cooperative with each other, as we demonstrate true values and objective, while using computers in a classroom. Resources are our foundation to be used with creative tools when learning.