Journal # 2: The Laptops Are Coming! The Laptops Are Coming!

  McFarlane, Sarah H. (2008).  The laptops are coming!  the laptops are coming!.  Rethinking       Schools Online, Vol 22 No 4, Retrieved July 20, 2008 from http://www.rethinking schools.org/archive/22_04/lap224.shtml

In this article, the author presents the thought provoking perspective that technology in schools is not always a positive thing, and that schools should thoroughly evaluate the possible negative ramifications along with the positive when deciding to introduce a new technology in the classroom.  

When McFarlane first learned that all of the students in her class were to receive laptops, she saw it as a dream come true.  After a year with laptops in the classroom, she had a different view of technology.  From student being distracted by and preoccupied with their laptops, to students becoming socially disconnected as they replace time spent interacting with friends and classmates to time spent alone with their laptop, she witnessed technology having a detrimental effect on the emotional and social development of her students.  She is concerned that the push for technology will result in long term social costs and increased levels of consumerism.

While she has seen the negative side of technology at work, the author still has hope that by being properly prepared and trained to be aware of both the pros and cons, teachers can incorporate technology  in ways that teach students to still value community and relationships. She thinks technology used properly can be used as a tool to teach critical thinking skills, equality and social justice.  The example that she gives of the Chicago Digital Youth Program illustrates that with creativity and responsible use, students can do amazing things with technology.

Q:  What would have been a better way to introduced the laptops into the curriculum in McFarlane's class?

A:  I think there are ways in which the laptops could have been used more responsibly.  For instance, giving every student their own laptop was a detriment to social interaction and group collaboration.  If one laptop was provided for every four students to use in group projects, that would have eliminated that problem and actually would promote group interaction.  She said in the article that students were distracted and opening their laptops during class parties and other activities.  I think the students time on the laptops could have been limited to specific assignments and during certain periods of the day.  In other words, they didn't need to have unlimited access to the computers when it was not specifically being used for a lesson. 

Q:  What are other issues that should have been addressed before introducing the laptops to McFarlane's class?

A:  I think some other issues that could present problems when providing introducing laptops to students are internet safety, proper email etiquette, appropriate navigation to websites, and differing levels of competency of students d students to use the new technology.  i think with proper training and support, those issues could be overcome as well.