by Heather Applegate
Why invest in technology in the MURSD?
Several people have asked me why our district has invested in the 1:1 learning program using iPads and wonder if the benefits out weigh the costs. A search of the research provides ample evidence of the important influence of technology on learning. Effective use of technology in the classroom can help teachers provide individualized instruction crafted to meet the needs of different types of learners. In addition, given the wealth of information available on-line, technology can provide a more vibrant, stimulating and meaningful lesson, that brings subject matter to life.
As our students negotiate the complexities of modern society it is imperative that we educate them about how technology can improve their lives and how it can cause harm. As anyone involved with social media knows information comes at us rapidly. Even adults can have difficulty figuring out what information is true, important and trustworthy and what is not. Whether you are immersed in technology or not take a moment to look around you. Chances are everywhere you look you will see the influence of technology.
Adequate education today must include teaching students about proper and improper use of social media, on-line research, programing application and theory and evaluating, organizing and storing information. Developing an educational environment rich in technology is quite simply as important as providing students with a safe building, food services and qualified instructors.
People may debate the format (iPad vs tablet) but continual investment in technology in our schools is simply a basic requirement for public education today. Students in a school with no technology or old technology are not adequately educated.
UPTON DAILY 