Azzia did a good job presenting issues related to trends accelerating the use of technology in the classroom. She addressed two trends: Redesigning Learning Spaces and Students as Creators.
Describing the trend on Redesigning Learning spaces she mentioned the concept of improved lighting in the classroom. The article mentioned a correlation between more exposure to natural light and improved academic performance. This is very interesting to me. As a substitute teacher I have been exposed to many sub par learning environments. Many of the charter schools that I have seen are housed in drab old buildings that are often poorly maintained with depressing classrooms. I agree that having better aesthetics and arrangement in the classroom can improve learning. I also agree that having improved access to technology can benefit learners. I think it is key, however, that these technologies are used appropriately. I have often witnessed tablets and i pads used to keep kids occupied as opposed to helping them learn something.
Students as Creators is another great concept. I agree with Azzia that standardized test constraints often hinder the democratization of the classroom that is possible through this trend. It would be great if students had a role in designing their curriculum and how they learn. This would inspire them to be active participants in the learning process and allow them to find creative ways to use the new technologies that they often no more about and are more comfortable with than their teachers.
The two challenges that impede the adoption of technologies in k-12 classrooms addressed by Azzia are The Achievement Gap and Advancing Digital Equity. Both these challenges are direct results of the current high levels of economic inequality. Azzia recognizes that the inconsistencies with instruction in lower income schools results in poorer outcomes on standardized tests. In the way our current system is set up this results in these schools being penalized and the students that need the most resources receiving the least. I would add that the inconsistencies and weaknesses in the education standards in low income schools also hinders the effective use of technologies in these classrooms. One positive that could result from this situation is that these low income school often have brand new teachers that may be more adept with technology than their veteran counterparts.
Digital Equity is another major issue. Many lower income students do not have access to high speed internet in their homes or access to computers or tablets. I was fortunate to study for a time with a professor who pioneered research in this field. His name was Abdul Alkalimat and he was the chair of the Africana Studies department at the University of Toledo. He called this lack of digital equity the digital divide. While living in Italy I new of many communities that provided free access to the internet for all of their citizens. This should not be so difficult to accomplish if the will of our political leaders is there. One of the ways that this access to wifi could be dispersed is through routers attached to street lights. Hopefully, the Obama program that was established to address these issues, that Azzia mentions, will remain in place and work effectively.
Closing the digital divide and ending the achievement gap are both necessary conditions for improving educational standards for all of our children regardless of race, class, or gender. It is going to take a concerted effort by citizens to make this happen and not just wishful thinking. Eliminating our regressive testing program that penalizes impoverished districts is a necessary component of making these improvements.
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