The Computer Delusion

Oppenheimer’s The Computer Delusion is a very provocative article about computers in education.  It brings up many interesting points and I can see why this article would be considered controversial.  Being in the Educational Technology program, I do believe in using computers and incorporating technology in to education whenever possible. I also think that the positives for the use of technology on schools far outweigh the negatives.  I love learning about new ways to incorporate technology into the classroom to make learning more interactive and fun.  That being said, there is certainly a need for balance and Oppenheimer's article addressed this concern very well.

It was interesting to read that many schools are shifting funds for other programs, such as shop or art classes.  I do agree that it may not be the best decision, to take from one area and put into another.  There needs to be a balance of skills in addition to technology skills. The world we live in requires technology skills, and it is important that as educators we prepare our students to be successful.  But since so many students access to computers and technology on their own time, shouldn't school expose them to new experiences too?  The article mentioned a school that "killed its music program last year to hire a technology coordinator" along with other examples of elimination of a subject for technology. 

I agreed with the discussion in the article about giving students a "broad base"  and the need to use common sense when implementing technology. Most proponents of technology do not intend for technology to replace teachers.  That is why it is important to educate teachers about the "project-oriented learning" approach that can increase student success with technology. Oppenheimer is not suggesting that computers be banned, but that more thought be put into the federal spending on the push for compters in schools.  The article is very thought provoking and a must read for anyone interested in different perspectives on computers in education.

Digital Divide

Most people have are familiar with the phrase "digital divide".  Many might think the digital divide refers solely to technology tools, for example computers. The digital divide also includes inequalities in quality of the access to information.  These inequalities are primarily based on socioeconomic levels.  As a future library media specialist it is something that I have to be aware of and prepared for.  Some school districts have plenty of resources, while others may be scarce. It is important that teachers make the most the technology they have, but that schools do not rely on technology to do the teaching.
As the article Closing the Gender Gap reported, there is also a digital divide between males and females as well.  The gender gap in technology was the most interesting for me to read about, because it is not something I have considered much before. It is important that all students are encouraged to utilize technology.

Non-linear PowerPoint

I enjoyed the "Non-linear Powerpoint" experience. I created a quiz on literary terms. powerpoint has a wide variety of clipart, so I was able to find pictures related to my topic. I used an eraser image when the wrong answer was selected - clicking the eraser brings you back to the question. This is a nice feature of non-linear powerpoint - going to a different slide depending on what answer you select. I think this is something students could use for creating their own powerpoint presentations. Teachers can also create lessons with review questions that either lead forward in the lesson or back for more review.
The value of non-linear powerpoint over the traditional variety is that they are designed to be more interactive. This, in turn, holds the audience's attention better. Non-linear powerpoint presentations are a useful tool for teachers to engage their students and let them become involved - not just listen to a lecture.