Journal 8

Curtis , Diane (2002, November 1). A '"Fantastic Super" Use of Technology: Closing the Digital Divide. Edutopia, Retrieved October 11, 2008, from: http://www.edutopia.org/fantastic-super-use-technology



This article talks about students using computers at school and at home. Every students get a user id and password. The school received grant money from BellSouth and now they have computers in every clasroom. A great think about this is the students that don't have the money to get internet access gets "internet access devices" at their house on loan. They are not full computers, but have capabilities of certain programs and websites. Another great thing about this program is that it keeps the parents involved. Each class has a web page that parents can look at. The parents can already know about their child's day before they have picked up their child. Both parents and teachers like the immediate feedback of of using this technology. Parents can play an active role in their students learning. Students here have made improvements since the school was opened in 1999. In 2002 more the 90% of students passed end of grade test with high marks.

1. Why is this not used in more schools?

This program was help funded by BellSouth and not by the government. I think schools like this will lead to all our schools being ran like this. We just need a way to fund these programs. It will take some help from companies to make this happen.

2. Is this fair that only some schools have this technology?

No it's not fair, but it's a new program that is set up. If it is successful then we can find a way to use this strategy in all schools.