Computer-Access
for All…it’s an issue in schools
The
article, “The Future is in the Margins: The role of technology and disability
in educational reform, by Rose and Meyer addresses some very interesting
points. Web-based communication and
media has replaced traditional print media in many cultural aspects such as advertising,
communication and entertainment. However,
I also think that it is important to remember that in all of those privately
owned corporations employees all either have or are provided high-tech, up to
date computers to use both at work and at home.
While the web-based strategies utilized by corporations in the media
industry would drastically transform education, education still must meet the
needs of every student. There are still
millions of families who do not have computers, or if they do there is not a
reliable internet connection or fast modem to keep up with new technologies. If web-based strategies are truly going to
transform education students need easy access to updated computers with
reliable internet access at school and at home.
I find it very difficult to create a web-based lesson where students are
to continue and finish at home when there are students in the class that will
not have the same opportunities at home.
While school computers are great, computer labs are not open every day
before and after school and on weekends.
Finally…a
way to differentiate that doesn’t alienate students or require hours of extra
prep time!
It was very
interesting learning about how the brain works through the new research. If our brains are constantly growing and
molding then it would make sense that each person may learn at different
paces. The internet-based education
design easily enables students to move on quickly or spend extra time looking
up additional resources. It also
provides students with options of obtaining information. They can read the text, watch videos, utilize
online manipulatives, and listen to text being read. No teacher can provide all of these methods
in a traditional-style of class.
Students also do not have to feel alienated or embarrassed by their
preferred method because each student is working in their own method at their
own pace. I think this is a great
idea! I wish I could just turn my
classroom into a computer lab! This also follows UDL guidelines of multiple representation with customized displays and illustrations through multiple media forms. Other UDL guidelines followed are varied response methods and optimized individuality and autonomy. All are great for students!
Classroom
Management in a web-based learning environment…
One final area
of concern is classroom management. In a
corporate world adults are responsible for their assignments, and employers can terminate their
position at any moment for inappropriate computer use or not completing work
efficiently and effectively. In a
classroom you are dealing with children and adolescents who oftentimes do not
want to be there and/or have other priorities at the moment. With the wide array of content on the
internet it will be very important to come up with a strong classroom
management plan in regards to internet use.
This follows with the textbook chapter on legality and ethics in
computer/internet use in schools.
