Tech Standards

The technology standards set very high goals for the students and the teachers. When I first read them I thought to myself how much they reflected Bloom's taxonomy and encouraged higher learning using technology. I was struck by how the tech standards sounded so student-centered and constructivist. They also seem unrealistic. It would be incredible if every student understood what was possible using a computer. The problem is that every student and teacher is required to have access to this technology. And based on the standards, they are going to need frequent access to technology in order to master these requirements. I realize that technology becomes more affordable each day but it is constantly being updated and reworked. This is placing huge demands on school systems;many are just not able to keep up financially. For these standards to be met the school must be technologically-oriented. In the school my children attend there is a new computer lab and a cart of laptops. There is also a full time technology teacher. Besides private school tuition we pay a $150 technology fee per student. These students should reach the standards. I observed a 6th grade class at a CPS. It had two dusty computers on a table in the back of the classroom. There was no computer lab or teacher. The students obviously had access to computers at home, carried cell phones and used iPods. They are acquainted with technology but not through school. The technology standards set excellent educational goals. Educational standards of working collaboratively, supporting individual learning and contributing to the learning of others should be part of the academic curriculum but not only if technology is available. Science and math teachers will always welcome the use of manipulatives and lab equipment to teach but both subjects can be learned without these "extras". Technology cannot be taught without the relevant tools. The standards are good but I don't know if schools can be expected to teach when it is so expensive to provide the right technology.