The New York Times recently published an article by Matt Richtel entitled "In Classroom of Future, Stagnant Scores". The article detailed how several districts are making cuts to funding for various areas and eliminating teachers in an effort to provide additional funds for technology integration within the classroom. Richtel makes mention of one district who has up to date spent roughly $33 million on various technologies.
This article serves to question the true effectiveness of technology integration and whether the funds currently appropriated for investment in this area can be justified by increases in student performance academically and on standardized tests. Currently, it seems that no significant research has been conducted which can attribute any improvements in student performance directly to technology. Furthermore, in many schools where technology is currently integrated, test scores of students have remained stagnant. If this is the case, is it worth it to allot millions upon millions of dollars each year to invest in additional technology for schools?
Upon reading the beginning of the article, I began to form the mindset that investment in technology seemed trivial considering there is no significant proof of its educational impact. However, after considering the matter more and completing my reading of the article, I determined that regardless of whether technology improves student test scores, it serves to make students more well rounded and thus is well worth the investment. Granted, I do not support teachers and other programs being cut for an increase in funding for technology, but I do feel that it teaches students valuable skills which are applicable beyond their time in the classroom. For instance, I feel that technology integration within the classroom teaches students how to conduct research, compile data, and revise written work in innovative ways which further their understanding of material.
Overall, Richtel exposes a topic typically overlooked by many: the amount we are appropriating for technological investments in the classroom and school districts. Furthermore, he brings attention to the fact that more substantial research must be performed to justify the large amounts of spending on technology in various school districts. It truly makes one consider: is the spending worth it?
Link to NY Times Article
This article serves to question the true effectiveness of technology integration and whether the funds currently appropriated for investment in this area can be justified by increases in student performance academically and on standardized tests. Currently, it seems that no significant research has been conducted which can attribute any improvements in student performance directly to technology. Furthermore, in many schools where technology is currently integrated, test scores of students have remained stagnant. If this is the case, is it worth it to allot millions upon millions of dollars each year to invest in additional technology for schools?
Upon reading the beginning of the article, I began to form the mindset that investment in technology seemed trivial considering there is no significant proof of its educational impact. However, after considering the matter more and completing my reading of the article, I determined that regardless of whether technology improves student test scores, it serves to make students more well rounded and thus is well worth the investment. Granted, I do not support teachers and other programs being cut for an increase in funding for technology, but I do feel that it teaches students valuable skills which are applicable beyond their time in the classroom. For instance, I feel that technology integration within the classroom teaches students how to conduct research, compile data, and revise written work in innovative ways which further their understanding of material.
Overall, Richtel exposes a topic typically overlooked by many: the amount we are appropriating for technological investments in the classroom and school districts. Furthermore, he brings attention to the fact that more substantial research must be performed to justify the large amounts of spending on technology in various school districts. It truly makes one consider: is the spending worth it?
Link to NY Times Article
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