My reflections on Chapter 7: What May be Lost and What May be Gained

This chapter focuses on discussing the general losses and gains that may proceed with the coming technological revolution. I found this topic very interesting and I am glad that I will get the opportunity to facilitate a discussion of these important issues during my group's presentation next week!

What I found most interesting is that there seems to be a greater amount of possible losses than potential gains as a result of the knowledge revolution. These losses also seem more specific and tangible issues, where as the gains are broad and are dependent on many unpredictable factors. For example, individuals can only take responsibility for their own education if technological recourses become more accessible to all, including low income, families and schools.

I found the losses that were mentioned to be quite serious and I believe that they should not be taken lightly. Social cohesion, multiculturalism, the role of the public school, the digital divide, liberal arts, and social interaction will all be compromised when learning occurs online and education becomes more individualized and focused on specific interests.

Though the gains that come along with the educational approach depicted in this book (learning outside of the public school) are positive, I think that they can still be achieved with out such a drastic change in the current system of education. For example, we have been learning throughout our time spent in the U.F. pro-teach program about how to make education individualized and tailored to specific interest while maintaining access to social and tactile experiences. I think that with some fundamental changes in the way teachers interact with their students, education can become more engaging, equal for all students, customized, accessible, tailored to individual interests, and allow for parental responsibility with the use of technology in the classroom.

This chapter made the successes and consequences of a technological revolution very real to me. As an educator, I will have to compete with technology. I must be sure that I am able to provide children with the experiences and interactions that technology cannot give to students. Social interaction, a classroom community of learners, and a safe and nurturing learning environment are all vital components to student success. Therefore, I believe that such a dramatic change in school systems should be avoided, and teachers should step up their game and become familiar with technology in order to reach every child!