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.