Technology Enthusiasts’ Argument

One great thing that this chapter talks about is the games and simulations that can be done to enhance learning that is taking place in a classroom.  Most of these games involve motor skills and can provide different methods of learning in any particular subject.  Many of these simulations can be extremely beneficial for students and in the chapter it briefly talks about having a simulation that allows students to feel what it would be like writing for a political campaign.  I think this example would increase interest during a class unit on politics or government.

                The publication section of this chapter definitely made me see a different view on exposing student work on the internet.  Prior to reading this section, I thought it could be very dangerous to have minors’ work be published on the internet. However, I never really realized the major benefits that this could have on children.  Student work being publicized allows many more people to view the child’s work, and this in turn allows students to feel pride in their accomplishments.  I know when I was younger I would be excited to see my work pinned up to a bulletin board for all the students and faculty to see, but with the technology that we have today, this can be done on a global level and available for anyone to see who is interested.  When reading the publication section it made me think of a few things I may do in my classroom in the future.  I feel that publishing student work on a website and giving out the URL to family, relatives, faculty and community members would be an excellent way to promote the school and let others see what is going in the subsequent classrooms.

                As the title of this chapter shows, it is clearly from a technology enthusiasts’ point of view.  I felt that it many good insights and it leaves me questioning how much technology should be used in the classroom.  Although many things are being done through different forms of technology, I still feel that there should be some things we should keep doing in the traditional way.  I think integrating technology in the future ultimately does concern me.  For example, on pg. 12 Kate spends a lot of time communicating with people around the world, but because of this connection it takes away from the connection that she lacks with her neighbors and local community.  Even though I am still in the middle of a battle between becoming an enthusiast and a skeptic, I’m looking forward to reading the skeptics argument to help me better decide where my views lie.