Ch. 3

How does the technology skeptic's argument impact your thinking about technology's role in teaching and learning?
What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?

Before reading chapter 3, regarding the skeptic’s argument, my ideas about technology in the classroom were opposed to the opinion of less technology in the classroom. Even after reading chapter three, because I have been introduced to the new ideas and similar opinions of my classmates, I still possess the same beliefs. The main points that have come up for which I disagree involve, classroom management as well as the idea that relying on computers will put students at a disadvantage.
The skeptics mention in chapter 3 that classroom management will ultimately become an issue when placed in the classroom. I disagree. Classroom management is controlled by the teacher’s strategies and relationship with her students. Computers may be seen as an extra distraction but children in reality are capable of making anything a distraction, therefore they are not different than say a book sitting on a desk.
The second disagreement that I hold is computers will benefit classrooms not hold them back from learning. The skeptics say that computers cannot teach everything. Well of course this is true, it is not intended that computers shall replace the teacher.
Integrating computers in our classrooms will not teach everything to our students but rather it will be used as a tool to enhance student's learning.
I believe that by reading this chapter my opinion of technology in the classroom has changed very little. I still feel strongly that technology is a beneficiary that can only help our education systems. As I do consider this to be true, this chapter has provided me with other beliefs to consider as I become a teacher and begin to witness the usage of technology in the classroom. I deem that I may have a certain opinion now regarding the usage but when I enter the classroom I shall try to hold an open mind to any let downs that technology may conduct or develop as being intrusive and non beneficiary.