Web link and Graphic:
http://tabtimes.com/news/education/2011/10/31/schools-will-have-more-tablets-they-do-computers-2016
http://tabtimes.com/news/education/2011/10/31/schools-will-have-more-tablets-they-do-computers-2016
•Identify a current technology that has emerged in the last few years that shapes learning or productivity in your industry.
•What problems or challenges have been associated with this technology?
“When schools start thinking seriously about moving to one-to-one computing, one of the immediate challenges entails power consumption” (Thornburg, 2009). This statement postulated by Dr. Thornburg is exactly what has happened at CCHS. Even though all students and staff have a tablet doesn’t mean they have immediate access to the WFi on the tablet. Our network cannot handle all of the activity, so most of the time the tablets do not connect to the internet. This means work cannot be accessed, and with no textbooks, education is stifled. •What societal need does it meet, and what are its benefits?
This tablet allows students to continue to stay “plugged in” while at school. If the network worked correctly, the tablets would allow the students to glean information for all classes at a faster rate. They are also portable, so students can carry them anywhere and continue to work on assignments. It gives all students an equal playing field; instead of the rich kids only having access to technology. •What would make this technology even better, avoiding the pitfalls you identified?
If our network could handle all of the activity and power the tablets use, we would be able to bring some many things to fruition. Students could work anywhere in the school and complete work. They could also upload work and receive immediate feedback due to certain websites. Also, students and staff could stay in constant communication due to wikis, blogs, or Skype. Even though this has failed this year at CCHS, in the future I believe tablets will make another comeback and schools will be implementing them across the country. Resources:
Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like CCHS had great intentions, but making sure that they had the networks in place to handle 1:1 computing became a huge issue. I hope, for your sake, that the technology department finds a solution to this problem. You can only be innovative if you are able to use the equipment provided. Great post!
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThe lack of infrastructure is a problem in most public schools. The schools/counties do not have the money in the budget to make the necessary upgrades to accommodate the network equipment. While the technology CCHS has put into the hands of the school population is an excellent idea without the infrastructure to function properly they are not useful.
Tabitha
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a colossal technological mistake. I am unsure why why the technology leadership of the school did not understand the system's capacity. This must be a difficult teaching year for both staff and students. I guess it means that have learned how to be more resourceful and flexible due to the technology challenges. Hopefully they fix it soon so your school can use the devices for teaching and learning.
Micah
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame that the network could not handle the extra capacity. Not nearly as bad as what you described - but similarly the community college where I teach had to stop students from bringing in laptops into certain classrooms as they were bringing the system down especially the technology classes. They finally increased the bandwidth to handle the extra capacity but is was so unexpected since many of the classes are equipped with computers it was assumed that students would not be compelled to bring in laptops. As many of my students explained it is easier to access their work form their own computer than to access their locker of information remotely.
Great blog! Sometimes one cannot predict everything and it becomes a learning experience. Unfortunately in this case it is causing a great decrease in quality education. Did the parents come together as a group to the school administration to confront this issue?
Happy Blogging!
Kimberly Arlia