Blog Post 2

Blog Post 2

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/05/schools-and-students-clash-over-use-of-technology/

From the website/blog: More than half of students – 56 percent of middle-schoolers and 59 percent of high-schoolers – reported that they would like to be able to use their own devices and learning tools in the classroom, something that many parents surveyed said they would support. But the idea is still met with resistance from administrators, 52 percent of whom said they don’t allow students to use any personal mobile device in class, at least partially because a blended learning model represents a shift in the relationship between teacher and student…….Blended learning classrooms, where students can fluidly use technology as learning tools, may encourage more interest in science and math subjects, too. In the survey, 20 percent of students in classrooms without much technology expressed a strong interest in STEM careers, whereas 27 percent of their counterparts in more student-directed and technology focused classrooms reported interest in the subjects. This indicates that the way kids learn seems to influence what they’re interested in pursuing.--- This is a current issue in middle and high schools around America because of the generational gap and understanding of how to use technology in the classroom. There is a link here because it taps into making students 21^st century scholars by digging into what is available to help students learn in regards to technology.

Response/Comment to blog:

Using technology in the classroom, including cell phones, helps students understand the importance of connecting to the outside world. More importantly when students are “banned” from using their cell phones in school buildings it encourages them to “fight the system” and be devious with their devices. If school administrators and teachers (which I am one of) would take the responsibility and educate their students in a technology invested age not only in the core subject areas but now in the new area of technology and its uses our students would become better global competitors. It is time for educators to think outside of the box and understand how influential technology can be (including cell phones) in the classroom for all ages.