Tech in Schools

This week’s topic is seriously right down my ally. I work in the tech department for Montecito Union School District. My career is built around technology in schools, so I am biased but have a wealth of knowledge on this subject. There are plenty of pros and cons.

Pros: The technology is there and the management behind the tech is build and functioning. iPads for example can be great teaching tools. However up until recently( past two years ) they were very hard to manage. Tech department had to touch every iPad to install apps. Imagine being a teacher who finds a great app but has to wait 6 months to use it.  

-Districts can now buy apps as a district, and the apps don’t leave if the teacher does

-Management works well and Apps can be pushed out and installed with little hassle.

-Children naturally love technology and are willing to use it.

-Apple management allows the iPads to be locked down so the iPad does not become a toy.

-App developers have built and tested apps over several years.

-Reduces the amount of books needed and printer materials needed.

Cons:

      -Privacy issues and now it becomes the school responsibility to teach Internet safety.

      -Internet bullying while at school or on school accounts

      -Teaching staff members how to use and teach with technology.

      -Developing a financial plan to incorporate a one to one project.

      -Often times requires a larger tech department.

      -Many districts need to hire a TOSA ( Teacher on Special Assignment) to help the teachers incorporate tech into the classroom.

      -Many devices are out of date with in 4 years.

Montecito Union School is on the wealthier end so it does not have many of the problems when it comes to Digital Divide. The devices are bought under school budget and are also kept at school. This is the most ideal because it keeps the device safe and families are not required to buy anything. Most districts cannot afford to provide a $500 device to every students so I have heard of several plans.

One plan is a payment plan where the family pays a small amount per year or per month, and after a set amount of time the device becomes theirs. This plan works however by the time the device is played off it is considered old. Most districts know that they cannot control technology use at home so they have incorporated plans to handle the issue.

School districts must incorporate a training program to keep their teachers up to data on how to use everything. My school district has a TOSA assigned to keep the teachers trained on technology. Every year she will get most time to train staff. The older teachers are having the hardest time with the switch, however it is really up to their level of effort.

Student on the other hand pick it up very quickly, they grew up around it and speak the language. The biggest hurdle is teaching the proper use and to teach them the dangers of the Internet.