November 2003 — Special Feature
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Technology's Value in Education
Teachers should be more involved in software selection. Picking the most effective and appropriate products for students is crucial for school systems. At present, 50% of the teachers polled reported having some input in choosing educational software. While teachers obviously don't need to do the actual purchasing, this survey data suggests that the selection process could benefit greatly from increased input from these front-line advisers.
Provide more funds and additional time for teacher technology training. This persistent cry takes on a new urgency with today's scathing scrutiny of IT budgets and increasing introduction of technology in schools. Realization is growing that even the most advanced technology is useless without trained teachers.
All of this points to the need to ensure that adequate funding, time and tools are available for teachers' continuing technology training. It also suggests that teachers need more in-service workshops, more collaboration with teaching peers, more practice time and more district-level support staff. There are also numerous free online courses and resources available to teachers, which can be found by searching the Web. Perhaps most importantly, teacher education should not focus on technology alone, but on its alignment with curriculum.
The need for greater computer mobility. A growing number of cost-conscious schools are adopting mobile computer labs that can be rolled into a classroom, instantly connected to a wireless network, then loaded up and moved to another room. By bringing computers to students as opposed to moving students around to a stationary computer lab, teachers can save precious class time and allow students to use the computers in their regular classroom. In many ways, these labs make it easier for schools to achieve a 1-1 student-to-computer ratio.
CDW·G in partnership with Discovery Channel School (http://school.discovery.com) has created and distributed 50,000 posters regarding wireless technology to middle and high schools nationwide. We have also sponsored a sweepstakes that gave away a wireless lab in which nearly a quarter of all K-12 schools in the United States (more than 24,000) participated.
Continued support of cutting-edge research and programs that reduce the digital divide. The 2003 "Teachers Talk Tech" survey leaves little doubt that teachers see the importance of student access to computers. Ultimately, continued support of programs like those run by CDW·G and the Universal Service Funds for Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) will help ensure access to technology for urban, low-income, minority and rural schools. Everyone agrees on the importance of preparing our children for the 21st century. CDW·G hopes the "Teachers Talk Tech" survey will help administrators and educators continue to close the gap between an admirable goal and a rewarding reality.
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