Wow! Not only do we as educators have such a responsibility towards our students to teach them everything we can in 9 months time, but now we cannot rely on what we remember from being students ourselves because the styles are so outdated. Teaching computer technology is absolutely pertinent in schools today which is something that was almost nonexistent when I was in elementary. The article by Timothy Morse made it clear that education methods are changing and technology is the reason.
Morse made the point that “the reason every student must develop basic technology literacy skills is that the use of computer technology is becoming increasingly commonplace in every facet of society.” I took a second to reflect on this statement and I saw how completely true it really was. Let me tell you a tidbit from my life: I’ve never owned a computer (gasp!) I’ve lived at my parent’s house while getting my undergraduate degree so I always used theirs. But less than a month ago I got married and now I am computer-less and I am having a difficult time trying to juggle my schedule as to when I will be able to get on a computer whether it be go back to my parents house or use my lunch break at school to use the computer lab. My point is that even though computers are available to me, I feel that not owning one is such a disadvantage. And I think that is the point Morse was making about education equality. Disadvantaged kids are not getting equal education if there is no computer available to them and this must change.
Disadvantaged kids will become disadvantaged adults if they are not provided the education and computer skills that they need to become highly functioning adults.
1 year ago