"Rethinking Education" Ch. 3 Reflection

I felt that chapter 3 of "Rethinking Education" was closely related to my opinion on a technology based classroom. Chapter 3 gave a skeptics point of view on using technology in the classroom. This chapter has made me realize why I feel strongly about keeping the traditional way of teaching and learning in the classroom.

The chapter starts out by talking about a few of the technologies that were told that they would change the way of teaching and learning such as the radio, television, and filmstrips. Although each of these technologies was supposed to change education, it was found that each of these technologies had little effect on the ways of the classroom. There are a number of barriers in using technology in the classroom. One of the biggest barriers is the cost. To provide enough computers in the classroom for each student would be costly. In today's classrooms there is about one computer for every five students and about 1:9 in urban districts. For computer to become central in the classroom there has to be at least one computer per student. There are also many hidden costs in providing enough computers for each student. Not only does the school need to pay to provide enough computers, there are also additional costs for maintenance and software. Space also becomes an issue when it comes to providing enough computers for each student. This chapter has just solidified my thoughts about technology in the classroom. The chapter gave statistics and theory behind why skeptics, such as myself, feel that technology should not be the main way of teaching and learning in a classroom.

After reading this chapter I have realized that I will teach my students that although technology can be helpful, they shouldn't rely on it in their future. In this chapter it states that technology can dilute the authority in the classroom. After reading this I have decided that I will make it clear to all of my students that I am the one in charge, and once they think that technology has more authority than the teacher that there will be consequences. The most important lesson I will teach my students after reading this chapter is that your teachers and peers can teach you things that no computer will ever be able to teach you, such as how to be a good person. From kindergarten on teachers have taught you how to play fair and be nice to one another and in the real world being a good person is truly what matters most.