Reading Response #1

Readings

Kleiman (2000): Myths and Realities about Technogy in K-12 Schools

Jane Healy: Interview with Technos (1999)

Tiene & Ingram (2001): Chapter 8

Questions

1. What do you make of Jane Healy's arguments regarding the use of computers in schools? In a couple of paragraphs, offer your assessment. While doing this, identify at least one point that you think is valid, one that you think is questionable, and why.

2. Both Kleiman and Tiene & Ingram discusse the pedagogical impact of educational technology. Both raise the issues of cost and investment in various areas.

a) What are the top three priorities you think are especially important for teachers or school administrators to consider when deciding how to invest money and time in technology? In a couple of sentences apiece, explain why you think each of these costs is important.

3. Though a school can invest a substantial amount of money in implementing educational technology, the extent of the benefits need to be evaluated in some way. This is a theme in each of the readings.

a) Think of an exemplary way in which you've seen computer technology used in teaching (for example, in a particular activity or regular practice). Describe the scenario in a couple of sentences. Using what you've learned from the readings, describe the particular particular way(s) in which the technology is enhancing or assisting the learning. How can you know that the improvement is due to the technology, rather than something else about the teaching?

b) Like many organizations, schools are always looking for ways of making the most of their limited financial resources. Select two of Tiene and Ingram's cost categories (p. 124). Use your imagination and provide at least two suggestions for a school to reduce costs in these categories. Describe and explain your ideas, including what, if anything, would be given up by this cost-cutting.