Computers in the High School Classroom

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech211.shtml

The focus of this article is on the importance of truly integrating or embedding technology into the high school classroom in spite of the challenges. One challenge discussed is that it is more difficult to integrate technology at the high school level than at other grade levels because of the demands of AP and other tests which are often a perceived indicator of the success of the entire district. Another is the definition of technology integration by some teachers. Unfortunately, many teachers think technology integration consists of using computers for PowerPoint presentations, research, and writing. The last challenge to fully integrating technology in every high school classroom is the lack of equal access to computers.

The article had three arguments for finding the time to fully integrate technology with the first being that students expect it. Technology integration also teaches important critical thinking skills, moving students from regurgitating information to creating. Finally, technology gives students access to experts all around the world.

These points are important because teachers cannot simply move projects from a handwritten paper to a paper produced in Google Docs or Word and call it technology integration. True integration would have the students collaborating in real time on the paper, skyping with an expert from across the world to get information for the project, and giving a multimedia presentation. Using online quizzes where students get immediate feedback is also an effective use of technology integration.

I agree with the points made in this article about the challenges of fully integrating/embedding technology in the classroom. It is important to work through those challenges because teachers need to teach using methods that correspond to the way students learn. Today's high school students have had access to technology for as long as most can remember. Today's high school freshmen were only nine years old when the first iPhone was released, and they were born after the internet.

I do understand the challenges presented by having access to technology. Dee-Mack is not yet a 1:1 school. While strides are being made in that direction with the recent purchase of a Chromebook cart, not every student has access to a device during the school day. There are also students who do not have consistent internet connections from home. In addition, there is the challenge of finding time for teacher training.  While it would be ideal for teachers to have enough interest in technology to learn it on their own, that just isn't the case.

I do sometimes become frustrated with the lack of interest in learning technology. Having always had an interest in new technology, I have a difficult time empathizing with those who do not embrace it. I am hoping that is about to change as our new principal really sees the value of technology integration, and we are working on ideas for after school classes to help teachers use the computer for more than research and paper writing.