Journal 3

"Social Justice...Choice or Necessity?"
by Colleen Swain and David Edyburn

This article was a wake up call for all teachers. It's time to incorporate technology into our classrooms now! Whether we like it or not, our students are being born in the technology age. If they are not equipped with the knowledge they need regarding technology, they will be disadvantaged in their future university or jobs. By the time our kindergartners are in the work force, 80% of jobs will involve being technologically fluent. It still is up to us to decide if we want or how much technology we will use in our classrooms. Technology is all around us readily available. Although many households have computers which kids play on, some do not and are not as skilled as their peers. Again, it is up to us to inform them that they can still become familiar by locating resources in their community. Some of these include libraries, community technology centers, and the Boys and Girls Club. For the schools that have no access, there are also options. There are computer reimbursement web sites where schools can get them as well as sites that have discounted computers. More software programs are free and readily available. It is important for educators to address social justice through technology because it will influence future education and work experiences. Social justice affects all teachers and students. Both need to strive to surround themselves with technology. Lessons that relate to real word situations involving technology will prepare our students to keep up in our every changing technological world.

Questions:

Do you plan on using technology in your classroom?

That is easy, YES! I personally love educating myself about technology. I’m almost afraid if I don’t learn new things my (future) children will be smarter than me when they are five! When I was in grammar school we were already learning about the computer. The only educational game at the time was Oregon Trail. I absolutely loved that game. Boy, has the educational game world come a very long way. There are endless educational tools found on the web. I defiantly want to prepare my students for their future, and I will do so by implementing technology in my classroom.

Do you think teachers should be able to choose to use technology in their classrooms, or do you think it should be mandated?

I think all teachers need to at least incorporate some use of technology, and this does not include using an over-head projector. Teachers that are computer challenged should be forced to take basic courses. It will only benefit them in the future too. Some teachers are scared to learn but it is crucial in order to educate our students so they can keep up with peers. It is inevitable that technology will affect everyone’s futures and who can say how far it will go? Anyone for lunch on the moon?…