Journal Article Review

Katie Ryan

16 September 2003

SLM:521

(2000). “Support Student Learning; How one district uses technology for standard-driven

learning”. Electronic School. Retrived September 12, 2003 from The Electronic School on the world wide web: www.electronic-school.com.

Technology in the classroom can be made more interesting and useful when relating to standard-driven technology. This program helps to accomplish grade-level standards by opening doors into a technology driven society. Due to this new look of the classroom students are able to make better connections to current events and create a learning environment that could normally never exist. It is now possible to complete a group project with another school across the country. Another interesting addition to technology is the ‘Internet Academy’ where a student can rent or buy a laptop and can learn from anywhere. The idea is similar to home schooling but uses certified teachers in conjunction with the computer to educate. The Internet Academy and standard-driven technology are leading education into the “Anytime, Anywhere Learning”. This allows students to learn and soar into new adventures in the classroom.

I believe the “Internet Academy” or “Anytime, Anywhere Learning” is comparable to home schooling and this is where the problem arises. A computer screen and an Internet connection cannot take the place of an educator. It cannot teach sharing or working with others. Although, it is a great idea to be used for children under extreme circumstances, for example, a child that has medical problems, which prevent he or she from attending school each day. In my opinion, when not needed it is best to go to school and learn about using technology. Schools are a great environment for students to live and learn. They meet life long friends and learn not only your basic reading and writing skills but also the skills of life, including friendship, diversity, right and wrong. The idea of learning technology in the classroom is great. Being able to go to museums and distant cities is exciting for many students. This tech plans allows students to use their imaginations to connect to the outside world. If a school has the money and technology to implement a program into their curriculum then this idea works well. I agree with the article to a point but I also hesitate to dive-in to this idea without hearing both sides of technology in the classroom.