Chapter 3: Page 58 of Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom
Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?
It is very important for educators to stay up-to-date with the latest technological advances to better reach the objectives of his/her lesson plan. If a new version of educational software is made available that greatly improved upon the previous one, it may be beneficial to the class to obtain it. Or if new software is available but is not compatible with the current computers in the school, newer ones should be purchased. As noted by Morrison and Lowther (2010) many different technologies exist, each one having pros and cons in their usage. Schools must research into which one would be easiest to use (compatibility, mobility etc.), are relatively cost effective, and are the least susceptible to corruption or damage. Also, if the school purchases such technology, it needs to make sure the teachers who will be in charge of using it actually know what they are doing. I worked in a school that had a SMART board in every classroom and one teacher was actually using his Mac (which contained the software for it) as a balance to lift his projector. This teacher had no idea how to use the technology that had been installed in his classroom and the students (and his Mac) suffered.
Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?
Desktop computers are large, making them immobile. This means that teachers and students can use them very effectively, but only in one place. With mobile technology, students and teachers can work, save the work on a USB (or other portable device), and continue working on another computer. Laptops can also enable individuals to work at any location. After working on a stationary computer and saving it to their USB, they can not only continue on another computer but on their own laptop, anywhere. As previously mentioned however, desktop computers do not required the constant recharging that mobile devices do, so one can work much longer. They are also less susceptible to theft or misplacement, as mobile devices are constantly getting smaller. If a teacher has all his/her work stored on one mobile device, and that device was lost or stolen, that teacher would be in a world of trouble. It is always good to have a back-up...and a back-up to the back-up.
How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?
It can easily be justified if the limited functions of a device are relevant to reaching the goals of the lesson. If a digital device can only perform certain functions, yet these limited functions are absolutely necessary in my classroom, then I am certainly going to consider purchasing it. I am not going to scoff at the price of something, which performs valuable functions, just because it does not also have the ability to support Solitaire or Angry Birds because that does not relate to my class objectives. Obviously, some technology is expensive that has valuable functions but does have the capacity to expand itself. An example of this is the smaller MacBooks, or MacBook Air. They have built in Wifi connectivity and other useful functions (like enhanced mobility) yet they lack the ability to act as a primary desktop. The MacBook Pro is more expensive and larger, but it has much more capabilities then the Air. So it really comes down to the teachers decision of just what functions he/she deems necessary and those which are irrelevant.
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