Comments on: Why wouldn’t we at least try to make schools better? http://ideasandthoughts.org/2007/09/04/why-wouldnt-we-at-least-try-to-make-schools-better/ Learning stuff since 1964 Sat, 12 May 2012 00:27:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: David Robb http://ideasandthoughts.org/2007/09/04/why-wouldnt-we-at-least-try-to-make-schools-better/comment-page-1/#comment-27412 David Robb Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:43:13 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/2007/09/04/why-wouldnt-we-at-least-try-to-make-schools-better/#comment-27412 Getting every child a laptop is a goal worth shooting for. However, we can't just factor in the cost of the equipment. Initiating a 1-to-1 laptop program would require lots of resources and training for teachers in implementing a 1-to-1 laptop program in the classroom. The training needs to come first or the laptops are not going to be utilized to it's potential (and probably not even utilized appropriately in some cases). Getting every child a laptop is a goal worth shooting for. However, we can’t just factor in the cost of the equipment. Initiating a 1-to-1 laptop program would require lots of resources and training for teachers in implementing a 1-to-1 laptop program in the classroom.

The training needs to come first or the laptops are not going to be utilized to it’s potential (and probably not even utilized appropriately in some cases).

]]> By: Darren Draper http://ideasandthoughts.org/2007/09/04/why-wouldnt-we-at-least-try-to-make-schools-better/comment-page-1/#comment-27410 Darren Draper Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:33:11 +0000 http://ideasandthoughts.org/2007/09/04/why-wouldnt-we-at-least-try-to-make-schools-better/#comment-27410 You make a very good point, Dean. Priority is exactly the issue - and I'm with you. More educators need to make educational technology use a MUCH higher priority. Indeed, we all need to better PAY ATTENTION. That said, however, I can't say that all administrators and policy makers are in the wrong. As I visit schools throughout our district, I'm able to see that there are many teacher needs out there that simply aren't met. Therefore, is one to one a great initiative that we should all be working toward? Absolutely. However, air conditioning, desks, and school security systems should probably come first. Those darn priorities... You make a very good point, Dean. Priority is exactly the issue – and I’m with you. More educators need to make educational technology use a MUCH higher priority. Indeed, we all need to better PAY ATTENTION.

That said, however, I can’t say that all administrators and policy makers are in the wrong. As I visit schools throughout our district, I’m able to see that there are many teacher needs out there that simply aren’t met.

Therefore, is one to one a great initiative that we should all be working toward? Absolutely. However, air conditioning, desks, and school security systems should probably come first.

Those darn priorities…

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