Article Critique #1
Tiene, D. & Luft, P. (2002). The Technology-Rich Classroom.
Retrieved
Web site: http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=962
This article examined the observations taken from middle school classes using the Ameritech Electronic University School Classroom, which is a specially designed facility where students and teachers experiment with the latest technology. The goal was to answer the following question: What hardware and software should be provided in a classroom or laboratory so as to maximize student learning. The experimental classroom included 12 Windows-based computers with Internet access, a scanner, a printer, four video conferencing cameras, two camcorders and a VCR. At a “teacher station” there was one computer, a VCR and a video document camera, all of which were connected to a video projector pointed at a screen for the entire class to view. Of this equipment, teachers said that computers with Internet access, printers and digital cameras ranked the highest importance in the classroom; they also pointed out that they did not see a need for each person to have a computer, but rather they liked that students paired up to use one computer. Despite the importance of technology in the classroom, teachers surveyed did point out that hard copy and printers remain very important. Word processing, a Web browser and presentation software were ranked as the three most important applications in the classroom.
Technology is a growing part of the educational system and a vital piece of equipment in the classroom. Children are relying more and more on computers and other technology as a means of finding information and becoming more efficient and effective students. I think it is a great idea to include computers in the classroom; I agree with the teachers surveyed that students can pair up to use one computer. However, I also think computers may complicate the classroom and that it is important to have strong guidelines imposed that let the students know the computers should be used as a resource for gaining knowledge. I agree that, while technology is an important resource in the classroom, hard copies are important, too! All in all, I think the observations made in the article were very informative and important as we move toward more technology in our schools.