This article covers how one school in Texas became a Technology Immersion Pilot (TIP) school. It is interesting because the school is located in what would be described as a lower social-economic neighborhood. What this means is that the school has integrated technology in just about every aspect of the school, and not just within the classroom itself. By combining assistance with the school board, administration, and the teachers, every student has access to technology at every point in their educational day. Each student has access to a laptop throughout the class day, and the school is even trying to allow the students to be able to have access 24/7. Another important aspect is that the school has full wireless capabilities, one of the issues that had previously been a problem for some students because they did not have internet access at home.
Each classroom has a plethora of technological tools for the students to use, from projectors, laptops, and smart whiteboards, and the students use them in some way in each subject. Interactive and virtual tours bring history classes to life while students can actually see the effects that their projects are having in an activity in a science class. I liked how the article made the statement that "teachers have transitioned from the traditional sage on the stage to the more favorable guide on the side as they incorporate learning through group and individual projects." I feel that this will make education much more effective by having the students become so much more involved in the classroom with activities as well as becoming involved with their peers. It was interesting to see testimonials from students who felt that, because of their work with technology, they are better prepared to work in the modern world and an economy that relies more and more on individuals that have these technological skills. However, there are issues with such an institution because of the costs of having such a high level of technology. Thankfully, the school board has been willing to continue funding the program, but I am worried that if something were to occur in the future then the program would be in jeopardy.
Overall the school seems to be the exemplar of the NETS standards for students and teachers. Both groups are extremely enthusiastic about the use of the technology, and both appear to be willing to follow through with all of the standards in the classroom. The school is based on the use of technology, and one would hope that they are being properly educated on the importance and use of technology.
Reference
Vaughn, S. (September/October 2010) Total Technology Immersion. International Society for Technology in Education. Vol. 38, No. 2. Received from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Total_Technology_Immersion.aspx
I also agree with you. I think that this transition will allow the students to be more excited within their school day, and hopefully produce great results because of. Having the technology capabilities that they once lacked will create continuous learning with their soon home means of internet, and computers. I wonder if this type of schooling will soon transition throughout the country. Where will be next? I also wonder if having a completely technology influence within their school day if they will literally transition everything to function online, with computers, etc? If so, will they miss out on any of the traditional methods of “pen and paper”?
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