Journal 8

Curtis, Diane (2002, November, 11). A "Fantastic Super" Use of Technology: Closing the Digital Divide. Edutopia, Retrieved October 10th, 2008, from http://www.edutopia.org/fantastic-super-use-technology


Mary Scroggs Elementary School is a school that is using technology as the main source of educating it's students. The school is known to be "honing" the students in their reading and writing skills. Mary Scroggs Elementary school is providing the students with the fundamentals of the importance of today's digital age. Each student is provided with a user name (which is their own student number) and a password to be able to access their schools educational computer network. The school received an educational grant from BellSouth because of a commitment to integrate technology into the curriculum and a determination to close the digital divide. Each classroom is supplied with wireless laptops, computers and software programs such as Inspiration, HyperStudio, 3D Space etc. Emails are being used much more often among the teachers, and staff along with teacher to parent. To make sure that no one lacks access to Scroggs' technological advantages, families with no home computers are loaned "Internet access devices" for their homes. Parents are becoming more involved in the education of their children because they have the access to do with most of the students progress now being on schools website. Teachers are not only getting the digital benefits, but they are also being able to plan lesson plans together and share ideas by getting together with other teachers of the same grade.

Why aren't more teachers using email or the internet in general as a form of communication with parents and students?

I really like the idea of the internet being another way to be able to communicate among teachers, students, and parents. It's just a shame that so many teacher are still not implementing the use of technology among their students. Perhaps one of the reasons is because the many homes don't have the means to obtain internet of even a computer. Nevertheless,I think it comes down to the school's funding because if a certain school had the funds it can very well provide the resources for those student whom did not have the access from home.

Should all elementary teachers be required to teach their students at least one lesson plan of computer usage?

I think that it is very important for young students to learn fundamental computer skills. In my opinion, computers are here to stay and we need to keep up with technology because it is a field that is always changing rapidly. I think that every student should have the privilege to be taught in public school computer basics. It is true that many young students may have computer knowledge from home, but not all students may have the luxury of having a computer at home. As a future teacher, I care for my student's futures and I believe that in public education, students should be able to get the fundamental tools to make them a better student.