Ch. 7: Rethinking

It is true that there are large differences in education and oppurtunity from school to school.  It is also true that this is even more prevelant in the technology aspect.  We see the arguement based on the gap in technology from school to school.  If we do not have a level playing field, how can everyone be on the same page or pace?  Surely, we want and agree that education should be equal for everyone and that every student should have the same oppurtunities.  The reality is that this just is not true.  We have a "digital divide" and we must fix this.  Our problem is that money just cannot be distriputed equally because most elites do not want to do this.  If we can figure this out, we know that learning will surely become more engaging for our modern students.  They are used to seeing computer screens all the time and always using some type of device be it a cellphone or an MP3 player.  With new technology, we are seeing new modes of learning.  Learning outside of the school has increased greatly and students can "specialize" in any subject they'd like on their own or even be homeschooled.  One huge benefit to me is the fact that we can customize learning to the student with computers.  We can give them all the support they need and allow them to get hints or work at a slower or faster pace.  We can adapt to each and every student.  The idea to me of using computers to tailor the learning to each student is great.  We can challenge everyone in a way that works for that student.  Also, they have the ability to learn even more outside of school which could open up many outlets for projects and special topics.  I would love to encourage learning outside of the classroom and give my students any advantage they can get.  Even with this "digital divide", we can use every tool at our disposal to expand our students oppurtunities.  Also, we can look for grants to improve our schools to lessen this divide.