Sherri Shaner

Article Critique #2

10/20/03

“Think the gap between technology haves and have-nots has been closed? Think again.” This was a quote from an article found in the American School Board Journal. The article cited several discrepancies between the two groups, which might account for their growing gap with respect to technology. Author Kathleen Vail cited “discrepancies in teacher training and knowledge, home computer access, technology support, and the availability of quality of online curricula and material.” Despite several cited reasons, Vail goes on to say that lack of home computer access appears to be the largest single factor in leveling the playing field for all students.

There are currently innovative programs going on all across the country to address this issue. One company, NetDay, was instrumental in wiring schools in the early 90’s. They have now taken on the task of teacher training, home computer access and technology support. At a Texas school district, students are taking home older model computers that the school district no longer uses. A North Carolina School District uses “thin clients”. "Thin clients" are taken home by the student. They are not computers, but rather a gateway to the school’s website. Once the student hooks up to the website, they can access email, Microsoft Word, and other educational tools. Thin clients have no hard drive or floppy drive. Each thin client unit costs the school district $250. The Boston Public School system told teachers if they did not take 50 hours of computer training, they would not have computers in their classrooms. All of these programs seem to be working, one way or another, but more needs to be done.

After reading the article, I realized it coincided with my long-term philosophy that all students need access to technology, not just at school, but at home also. Home access is one of the most important areas we, as educators, need to examine. I know for myself, the time when I learn the most about the computer is when I have time to fool around with it at home, on my own time. Similarly, a child needs time to explore at home, what they learned in school that day.

I loved the idea of the “thin client”. This takes away the problem of worrying about expensive laptops or lugging home large desktops. Also, because it does not have a hard drive, it would be virtually impossible for students to use them for destructive purposes.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article. I have new ideas and some new resources to look over as a result of reading this article.

Vail, Kathleen (2003).

Next Generation Divide. American School Board Journal, September 2003.

Retrieved October, 10, 2003 from asjb.com.