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Running Head: ED TECH ISSUE

Ed Tech Issue

Veronica De Jesus

EDU352

Instructor Susan Cannon

05/09/2017
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Ed Tech Issue

Issue: If we are really serious about educational technology why dont we put a robust

digital learning device into every students hands (or let them bring and use their own) instead of

pretending that we live in a pencil, notebook paper, and ring binder world.

I chose this issue because most schools advocate the integration of technology but do not

have the resources to apply the use of technology in the classroom. Teachers are being held

accountable to integrate technology that they dont have available. If all students had their own

device the teacher can plan one lesson plan for the whole class to work on at the same time rather

than dividing the class into groups and having them take turns. This makes it harder for the

teachers to seamlessly integrate technology because there is too much movement and

exchanging. It also makes it difficult when there are various users to one device because files are

not as safe, or secured. Saved work can be copied or lost, among other disadvantages.

Two of the main arguments I found against this issue are not enough funds, and fear of

technology becoming a distraction. In the case of funding the department of education gives

various suggestions so that each school district can evaluate their needs, and establish short term

and long term goals. One of the suggestions offered was to establish a BYOD (bring your own

device). They also suggest that schools opt for refurbished devices since these can be more

economical.

The next major argument I have found against individual devices is the distractions it

may cause. However, this should not be a reason to shy away from technology, after all

distractions exist with or without technology in the classroom. Teachers have found ways to keep

their students focused, and will continue to do so; keeping technology away because of
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Ed Tech Issue

distractions will only lead to detrimental effects. The 21st century is very fast paced and is

revolved around technology, and as teachers we will be ultimately preparing our students for the

work force, a workforce that will surely involve some form of technology. How can we prepare

students for the future if we dont have the technology in the classroom? The only way is by

providing the devices necessary to each student in each classroom. Please look at the references

below for more sources on this topic.

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Ed Tech Issue

References:

Funding Digital Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2017, from https://tech.ed.gov/funding/

McLeod, S. (2010, November 22). If we were really serious about educational technology [Web

log post]. Retrieved from http://bigthink.com/ideas/if-we-were-really-serious-about-educational-

technology

Technology in Schools: The Ongoing Challenge of Access, Adequacy and Equity. (n.d.).

Use of Laptops in the Classroom: Research and Best Practices. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02,

2017, from https://tomprof.stanford.edu/posting/1157etrieved May 2, 2017,

from http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/PB19_Technology08.pdf