mozvz says, 'I am on the fence about using this type of technology on a consistent basis.'
View full sizeNinth-grade honors English teacher Allison Levine helps a student who uses a laptop computer during class at Philadelphia High School for Girls in May 2007 in Philadelphia.The district isn't alone in its plan. Lehigh Valley schools have had mixed results with similar technology programs.
Commenters discussed the reality of the infrastructure and funding needed to support this kind of effort and if that type of technology is needed in schools.
mozvz writes:
"Many districts cannot absorb the costs to create programs such as proposed. Besides the cost of hardware which can be monumental, there is IT staffing and infrastructure needed to support a large base of users. A process such as this is extremely expensive and will never cease due to maintenance and the consistent change in hardware and software technology.
I am on the fence about using this type of technology on a consistent basis. Seeing the addictive nature of smart phones, where adults and kids are assimilated using them as if they have a nicotine habit is disheartening.
Are the kids who use these devices as stated in the classroom, smarter? Are they well rounded? Do they have better people skills? Whatever happened to teachers just teaching, using their people skills to educate and teach our kids the basic fundamentals? I am not anti technology. I just think there is a balance between using artificial intelligence and human interaction. Excluding the cost to implement these types of programs, is this a step in the right direction?"
"Mozvz-I agree with the fact that the cost is just too much for school districts, but I will say that I do believe schools are lacking in integrating technology. Technology is not going anywhere and in most jobs it plays a large role everyday. My belief is a school is responsible for preparing students for the present and future and that requires educating students on how to properly use technology."