Week 13

In the article Digital Divide, they discussed the importance of using technology in schools. Although some schools may not have the resources, there are many ways to change that. Most importantly it is up to the teacher to incorporate learning with technology. Teachers have the influence of bringing the importance of computers to the attention of the school.
The article stated, “…labs often reinforce the idea that computers are simply “extra” or “special” instead of an integral part of the learning process.” What tends to happen in schools as well is the limited access to the computer labs; they are often locked up, unless a teacher schedules an appointment. One way to improve computer labs is create an open atmosphere where students can use the computer labs before and after school.
Within the classroom, it is imperative that teachers create an appropriate computer station that will reflect the type of learning you want from you classroom. The way a computer lab is set-up, is an opportunity for students to collaborate and learn how to work together cooperatively. There are many different techniques that will allow for different types of learning.
“We must educate all teachers and students to use the computer as a productivity tool as well as a tool for learning, research, networking, collaboration, telecommunications, and problem-solving.” Teachers play an important role of teaching the importance of using computers. We as teachers need to be up to speed on the latest pieces of technology, find programs that will benefit our students’ knowledge, and come up with ways to find funding to improve the schools access to computers and technology.
Wiki’s are another cool piece of technology that can be used in my classroom. A wiki is a piece of software that allows users to freely create and edit webpage’s content. Almost anyone can write, edit, and read wiki’s. This can be seen as both a pro and con. Sometimes the wrong person can get into a wiki, thus the validity of a wiki is also weak and vulnerable. However to extreme opposite can be true. Wiki’s are constantly updated, grow rapidly, and are constantly changing. Wiki’s are a new way for open communication between people, that allow for growth of subjects. This is a way that students can openly communicate and create their own page on subjects. Since it is available for anyone to see, their work will be amazing, valid, and well thought out. The students can work together to create a wiki on any subject!