Journal 6 / MI

Miller, S. (2011, June/July). Student voices for change. Learning and Leading WITH TECHNOLOGY, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

The initiative of Van Meter Community School in Iowa is to be commended.  The school has set its sights on the use of cutting edge technology and created "an atmosphere of respect, creativity, collaboration, and connection as well as independent thinking and learning (Miller, 2011)."  The leaders of Van Meter school understood how much more effective it could be to have their students present their philosophy to the Iowa legislature.  The students demonstrated a variety of skills and abilities that they had accumulated by attending a school that emphasizes use of technology.

Technology is so important.  I think that education as a whole does not do enough to encourage and facilitate the use of new technology.  Our world is changing at a very rapid pace due to the influx of new technological innovations.  If our school are not up to par with technology, we can all wonder how students can even learn anything beneficial in such schools.  Truly credible schools must be able to teach what the modern age requires.  It is ignorant to assume all things in education should always remain the same.  We know from experience that the world does not work this way.  The students from Van Meter not only showed their skills but demonstrated the excitement they had for learning.  They showed how they were able to benefit from social networking.  They were able to hone in on their own individual interests and perpetuate their own education.  They probably also showed 100 times more technology savvy than the legislators they were speaking to.

How can we even begin to fund the technology that is necessary to stay on the cutting edge?

I think funding technology should be a priority.  I believe that up to date computers are more important than textbooks!  We cannot continue to act as if educational facilities should remain the same throughout the ages.  If we want our American schools to help students make great achievements and to help make them future productive members of society that contribute to development and innovation then we must keep up with the times.  Raising funds for technology should be a priority and can be started at a grass roots level.  There should also be negotiations between the government and computer manufacturers to arrange for special deals.  Perhaps the government can offer fiscal incentives to computer companies in exchange for cheap computers for schools.  One thing is for sure, we have to think outside the box!

Are today's teachers up for the challenge to keeping up with their students technologically?

I am willing to bet that some of today's teachers are miles behind their very students when it comes to technology savvy.  Great efforts will need to be taken to get teachers up to snuff.  I am very pleased that CSUSM has taken steps to work technology into its teaching program.  It is very important to me and I hope to incorporate it in my teaching and with my students as much as possible.