Blanket Rules Suffocate

There's no arguing that technology is growing by the day, by the hour, even by the minute. Children are exposed to a larger array of gizmos and gadgets now than ever before, and technology is moving forward whether they're on board or not. Nevertheless, it is not reasonable to force teachers to incorporate modern technologies into their classrooms.

Some schools are not at all prepared to back up that rule. Math teachers in poor school districts may not be provided technology such as laptop computers, smartboards, or maybe even a simple graphing calculator. It is not fair for students in poor districts to be neglected, but neither is it fair to impose a mandate that demands teachers implement new technologies in their lessons. If a teacher can teach his or her subject, motivate students, and make an impact on their lives, that is precisely what they are meant to do.

What needs to be done is precisely what is happening today. Future teachers are being prepared for the technological demands of the future by taking classes that teach them how to use them. Up until a few minutes ago, I had never made a blog post in my life. Now, through a mandatory college-level class, I have gained some experience in a new area of technology. There is now the possibility that I introduce my students to "math blogging" or something of that nature when I begin teaching in two years. Teachers need to be provided with the means and taught the skills necessary to use technology themselves if schools expect them to teach those lessons to their students.

As time passes, innovations will be incorporated into the classroom naturally. At some point, the simple technology of dry-erase markers replaced chalk in many classrooms. Computer programs such as Microsoft Word have pushed traditional paper and pen to the side. Schools will incorporate technology into classrooms without requiring an unattractive rule.

Before we name technology as our education system's top priority, we need to look at other issues. School funding needs to be spread out more. Teachers need to be trained more rigorously. All students need to feel more safe and welcome in their school. Technology is important, especially today, but these issues are more pressing. Modern technologies, I have found, can make the classroom more fun or perky, but forcing it upon teachers is not the way to increase its use.