Education and Technology

Case Study: How technology has and is continuing

to transform our Children’s Education

By: *

HU310: Unit 9

June 21, 2011

Introduction

Technology continues to emerge and infiltrate every area of our lives. As this is happening the ideas and issues arise as to how does this technology improve or detract from our children’s education?

* Historical perspective of when technology first because used in the classroom

* Current situation of a local school districts use of technology

* Analysis of advantages and disadvantages of technology as it relates to education

* Technology that is currently available

* Future of technology and education

Overview

I can remember the first time as a child my classroom received our own computer to use. It was approximately 1981 and we received an Apple II computer to use in the classroom. I remember crowding around the teacher as she inserted the 5" floppy disk into the drive and began typing commands. I wish I could say I remember how we used that computer, but I don’t. I just remember the excitement of having our own computer to use. In 1984 public schools in the United States averaged one computer for every 92 students; in 2008 there was one computer for every 4 students. (Innes, 2010) Fast forward and look at the amazing leaps and bounds technology has taken in the educational space. Should there be a limit on how much technology is used in the classroom? What does the future hold for the traditional classroom? I believe the students are ready for this type of advancement, but most importantly are the teachers prepared to change the way they've always done things?

Observations

A recent trip to my children’s grade school certainly solidified the vast difference between how much technology is in use today versus how little it was in use when I was in school. As I toured the school there was a lot of technology present in almost every classroom. All of the classrooms were equipped with...