Speak Out on Technology

edweek.org reports on a survey  on technology conducted by a Denver-based Quality Education Data and sponsored by CDW Government Inc., an information-technology company in Vernon Hills, Ill.

A survey of 1,000 randomly selected K-12 teachers throughout the nation brought the following results:

• Teachers are using computers more for both administrative and instructional purposes, but administrative uses appear to predominate.
• Teachers noted that most of their technology training has focused on administrative applications.
• More than 60 percent indicated that there were too few computers available in their classrooms.

Would the results of this survey be the same at your school? What are your opinions on the results? Now's your chance to speak out!

You may want to give some examples of how computers are used by teachers and students at your school. You may even want to express your opinion on the way it is being used in your school.

Mostly, it would be terrific if you gave your ideas on how technology should be used in schools. Back your opinions up with  your reasons because it would be so cool to pass those ideas backed up with solid reasons on to some administrators, school boards and other leaders around the nation. Let's  hear from both students and teachers on this one. Plus, it would be great to hear from any other interested parties. I bet we could learn a lot from each other. So get those thinking caps on and SPEAK OUT!

If you want to read more on the actual survey, here is an overview of the results of the survey "CDW-G Teachers Talk Tech 2005,"

Comments

[misty marie]

technology is great for students who want to use their number knowledge to play games

[Michelle Cornwell]

I think the use of technology in the classroom is both valuable and necessary.

[Amanda]

Technology is awesome! Teacher's and students and even parents are growing closer and improving education with technology and it's great.

[Vivian]

Having students post their writing samples on the web and give comments on each other's work will be a great idea and I hope to use it in my future classroom.

[Lauren]

I think that there are not enough computers in the classroom. My first grade classroom has 4 computers, and that includes the teacher's! When they have "Computer Center", the students have to take turns using the computers.

[Jessica]

Technology is a great way for students to learn about the world through knew eyes rather than directly from a textbook. Its a different view for them to see and creates endless opportunities.

[Tamica]

I believe that technology is wonderful because it is a way for people to communicate and gain a great deal of information.

[Trice]

children should be the first concern for technology. Afterall, the computers are suppose to enhance the children's educational performances. they are the top priority.

[chris]

i find that technology is something that is crucial in the classroom not just because it reaches children in ways that other forms of instruction cannot. also technology helps to involve students who might not be interested otherwise with the subject matter

[Ashley]

Technology has become such an important part of our world. Teachers should definitely use technology (computers) for administrative and instructional purposes. More training should be provided for teachers so they can teach more in depth lessons using technology. Computers should also be readily available at schools.

[Ashley]

I feel that technology can be a great tool in a classroom; I wish that more teachers (myself included)felt comfortable in incorporating it!

[Sonja]

I think that if we're going to encourage more use of technology in the classroom, then we need to make sure that the teachers are well-trained and that there are plenty of computers to support the student's use of them.

[Sara]

Technology is huge part of community and it will be my responsibility as a educator to provide students the opportunity to use it. In my future classroom I want to incorporate technology on a daily basis, and have students feel comfortable with using it as well as enjoying it.

[Megan]

Great idea, I think students would benefit greatly from the use of technology in their classroom. Not only is it exciting for students, but it keeps them current and up-to-date with the technology that will impact their future.

[Mary]

Computers are a nessecary part of our future. Students should practice with them as much as possible.

[Beth Burch]

I think this is very true. Teachers are required to use technology more and more these days. I think it also helps document things and learning easier. With technology use increasing in this day students need to be exposed to it earlier as well.

[Trice]

children should be the first concern for technology. Afterall, the computers are suppose to enhance the children's educational performances. they are the top priority.

[heather]

As an upcoming teacher, I believe that technology is not only important in the classroom, but fun too! Many lessons and projects can be enhanced with the use of technology. We should encourage the use of technology and come up with fun ways to impliment it in the classroom and at home.

[Merron]

Technology is very important in the classroom in order to provide various techniques when teaching. Some problems I have seen are that there tends to be a shortage of computers or computers are out of service.

[Lisa]

Technology is becoming a major part of our lives. It helps with lots of stuff so the more practice we get the better!

[Julianne]

well i think that it is Crushell for learning, the olny beef i have to pick at is that the internet is down a bit two much for my liking.

[Tahlia]

Hey Heather, I think that what your saying is totally correct. I get really angry when the internet service is down. Doesn't it annoy you?

[John Pederson]

Great question, complicated answer. Let me first say that I'm an administrator that's been in educational technology for 10 years now. Technology is critical for both teachers and students.

Let's look at the question from a different angle. This survey was published in EdWeek, a news source that makes money off of advertising from technology companies. It's sponsored by CDW Government, a leading computer reseller for education. Data from the survey is gathered and sold over and over by QED, Quality Education Data, a group that phones me many times a month to collect my opinions, which they in turn sell to companies that want to learn more about how to sell technology to me.

Now that we have all the $$$ out of the way...who's interest does it serve by asking "Do you have enough computers in your classroom?" Nobody has enough computers. 10 years ago the question was "Do you have a computer lab?" 8 years ago the standard was having a "mulitmedia enabled computer". 6 years ago it was "a computer on the Internet". It soon became "multiple computers available in the classroom for students". When the desktop market was saturated, it was time for laptop carts. When that wasn't enough, 1 to 1 (each student with a laptop) became the standard.

QED and EdWeek are simply scratching the backs of CDW Government (and, in turn, every computer manufacturer) in order to build/prolong the meme that we don't have enough computers in classrooms.

What's "enough" technology? If you had "enough", would that be the end? Would your teacher be a better teacher because if it? Would you learn more because of it?

"You don't have to believe me. I just want you to think." Marshall McLuhan

[Kara]

technology in the class room is great but wow you guys REALLY love it....

[aimee jukic]

technology as of today is that young kids take advantage of the technology and use it for all the wrong reasons. yes technology is good, but i just think years ago we got though life with out using technology so i really dont think we need it as much as what we think we do. from aimee