Journal #9

"Are schools better than they were 20 years ago?" by Hope Benton-Borghi and Marc Simmons.

This article is written in a point/counterpoint style and is put together nicely. Both authors of the article address the question asked within the title. Hope Benton-Borghi responds yes and backs up her argument while Marc Simmons claims no and reinforces his argument as well. Ms. Benton-Borghi claims that with the advances in technology our students are able to perform and experience things that were not possible twenty years ago. She uses the example of how a classroom in the Midwest can now within an instant connect to another area far away and experience that distant culture and perhaps gain a new perspective in the process. With new technology old methods of teacher and limitations fade away and a new world of education is available. Mr. Simmons believes that the technology to do all of these wonderful exist but that our current educational system is not prepared to implement them. He uses the example of Hercules and his battle with Hydra and how after cutting off one head two grew back. Mr. Simmons claims that there is an ever growing gap between what our schools teach and what our society needs and we need to learn and teach this new technology as it advances.

I agree with both of these authors but feel that Ms. Benton-Borghi is being a bit idealistic. It is true that the technology exist to create the scenarios she described and i would assume that some of that is happening but not enough to make a real difference. I would have to side more with Mr. Simmons in that the technology is there we simply are not utilizing it properly.

Question 1: What can be done to really push the use of technology into our schools? I don't believe that forcing this upon teachers is a good idea but i do think that a sufficient amount of technology must be taught to new teachers. I also feel that in colleges the growth and use of technology is important to further prepare those entering the workforce. As for K-12 i still feel that it is the responsibility of the individual teacher to expos their student to technology as much as possible. This should be addressed as any other problem where as a school should be like a community and those who are proficient should help and urge those who are not.

Question 2: will the gap between what we need and what we teach ever close? This is a difficult task to accomplish. Because technology advances as fast and often as it does whatever methods we teach (which takes time) is sure to be slightly outdated by the time of its implementation. Perhaps if workshops were offered on a continuous basis teacher could stay more up to date to deal with the ever changing technology.