Chapter 3 Reflection: The Technology Skeptic's Argument

Reading about the technology skeptic's viewpoints on integrating new technologies into schools made many current issues that keep technology out of schools apparant to me. Most schools are conservative and deeply rooted in past routines and procedures that have been recommended by "experts". The chapter pointed out many reasons why schools are not able to quickly accommodate the new technologies that are entering our society including: cost and access; classroom management implications; teachers bring things to learning that computers don't; challenges to instruction; challenges to the authority of teachers; and assessment discrepancies. I recognize that it is true that schools are structured in a way that is highly structured and resistant to change, but I agree when the chapter points out that components of school systems can achieve a balance so that new technologies can be incorporated without changing the basic arrangement of system components.
This knowledge will have great implications on my future as an educator. I am now familiar with the arguments that both technology advocates and skeptics bring to the table. I see the benefits of technology integration in schools, and I also see the set backs that are keeping computers and other technologies from having a larger impact on schools. The chapter emphasized a key reasonsthat technology is not conducive with the current system of schools is due to characteristics of the teacher. This type of integration requires teachers to put in extra time to gather materials, plan, progress monitor, and maintain classroom management. There are many things that teachers bring to learning that computers and technology can not cover. Therefore, it is important for the teacher to remain the dominant force in the classroom, using technology simply as a resource for learning what you need when you need it.
The quote School fosters just-in-case-learning while technology fosters just-in-time learning really made the information from this chapter more clear to me. The way instruction occurs today emphasizes all students learning the same things at the same moment while focusing mainly on events and bodies of information that have accumulated over time. Learning with technology can ehnance higher order skills through group collaboration, integrating and evaluating technologies, and making use of the tools that are available.