LJ 2

What is the role of technology in the classroom?
Technology is a valuable resource, but in and of itself will not fix the problems we are having with education gaps and learning deficits in the classroom. Merely providing students with the tools necessary to succeed will not ensure their success. Students should be taught how to use these tools, when to use them and which tools to use in different situations. Kids are using laptops, cellphone, social networking sites, YouTube, iPads and the like primarily for means of entertainment. It is through these means that we should be trying to reach (and teach) kids. We should show them how using the things that they are already using for 'entertainment' can be used for education.

What is the role of technology outside the classroom?
Some of the most technological advances over the past 30 years (portable computers, portable phone, GPS) were taken from military contracts. They started as products to make our lives easier but are fast entering into the world of absurdity. Technology has been defines as the science of the practical or industrial arts, but it is become much more than that. I feel (sometimes) that technologies roles outside the classroom (and maybe even in the classroom) is making us dumber. I was driving around Savannah with a friend with a map (a real map, not a cellphone Google map thing) and I found it difficult to understand it. And I realized that I have been relying on the GPS on my phone/computer for so long I had forgotten how to read a map. And I can't tell you the last time I actually researched something, really researched it. The days of spending hours in the library are over. But the up side is, it frees up a lot of time to do other things. I have mixed feeling about subject and I have a lot of conflicting thoughts. Maybe this class will help me figure it out.

In what ways can these to worlds overlap?
Teachers who ask students to make a website, or post their work on blogs. Keeping a notebook for an English class can be transferred online via blogs. Art projects can be scanned or photographed and posted on the web. Creating a video or telecast for a class project... using Kindle/iPads or tablet PCs as textbooks/notebooks (instead of having to buy/carry around 5 different textbooks).

In what ways should they be avoided?
I feel that students personal accounts on Facebook / Twitter / or personal blogs should not be a part of the curriculum. If the teacher wants those integrated into the classroom, students should have to create a new account, for academic purposes.