wk 4 article discussion board post

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Discussion Week 1-J. Sininger

Jacqueline Sininger posted Oct 18, 2017 8:57 PM

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I chose the article "School Technology Struggles to Make an Impact" to focus on for this post.  The article presents a very candid look at how increasing and improving technology in schools does not equate to increased and improved knowledge of students.  Schleicher writes that students are, in some cases, falling farther behind in spite of having access via technology to more information.  Studies show that students who use technology frequently perform poorly on tests compared to students who use technology less frequently (Schleicher, 2015).

My experience as a teacher for the past 6 years gives me some insight into this topic and I am inclined to agree with the author.  Constant access to technology has perhaps created a "lazy-brain" effect on students meaning, students do not try to problem solve or ponder issues since the answers they seek are usually within arm's length by way of cell phone or tablet.  Often my high school students tell me that they do not need to take notes for future use because they will always have their phone to rely on.  I find this sad not only because students are not motivated to learn, they are missing out on the satisfaction of thinking and solving a problem on their own.

The article continues with a discussion of safety issues and risks of technology and the internet to students, which must be considered in the school environment.  Many sites are not policed and the content can be harmful to developing adolescents.  Schleicher's article presents a case for the necessity of technology in schools, but moderation and oversight are key to realizing maximum benefits to students.

Schleicher, A. (2015, Sept. 15).  School technology struggles to make an impact. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34174795 on October 16, 2017.