Incorporate Technology into Curriculum

Bringing urban schools into the information age: planning for technology vs technology planning

Fishman, B. J., & Pinkard N.

The authors noticed that many schools put computers into classrooms and thought that was it. However, hardware alone would not guarantee technology-enhance learning effect.

Fisherman and Pinkard pointed out three pitfalls in computer installed schools: insufficient use of computers, lack of technology support for teachers, and no connection between technology, learning theory or curriculum. To address these pitfalls, they suggested a “Planning for Technology” model.

(This paper was published in 2001 when computers were less common in schools or at home. Today, teachers in general gain better skills and knowledge in using computer.)

7 years passed and I wonder how many schools, including colleges, are aware of the pitfalls addressed and do use computers to enhance teachings. I mean, not by simply allow students to use pre-installed software such as word processor, digital graphic processor, searching on the Internet. I still consider these as insufficient use of computers.

I am more curious: how many schools have hold teacher discussion on how to incorporate technology into curriculum to form a shared vision?

Fisherman and Pinkard’s article was valuable because the model did gave out a step-by-step solution.

In our last class discussion we realized that provide computer and Internet access did not mean Digital Divide was eliminated, because unintended use of computers was popular and the envision goal was not achieved. I have the same worry the same would happen in schools, hardware access alone does not equal to obtaining technology-enhanced learning environment.

Digital Divide: is that so scary?

Lots of us agree that digital divide is the inequity access of computer / Internet.

What may be the consequence? One answer is that unable to access to them causes information inequity and further marginalized those who unable to access them, further push the digital divide gap. So in the stand point of social justice, we begin to fear.

Many people believe that digital divide is the cause of social-economic status. Say, if you can’t afford a computer and the Internet access, you fall into the victim of information and computer skill inequity. So you have a large chance to be in the disadvantage side of digital divide, just like the wealth divide and power divide.

(In the following discussion, I would like to refer computer / Internet access as “Digital”.)

I contemplate: what Digital brings to me? The answer is: I do gain information access and obtain computer skill development in a very general means. Just mention the informal learning side, say, I love taking pictures and I visit photography sites daily and absorb knowledge on camera component, accessories and digital editing skills. As for formal learning, we all use online library, Google scholar.

I can’t help thinking how popular Internet cafe is in China, which provides computers and Internet access for those who could not afford them (young people or students), to allow many activities such as studying, working, gaming, entertainment and instant message. Many times I passed the cafes simply to find young people were playing computer games or taking video chat, hanging on with net friends afar.

Digital use is voluntary. I noticed that my mom, with all convinience at hand (we had Digital at home), still prefered to use phone to connect to me. This pushed me to think that after all, Digital is a consumer product; some choose it while others don’t.

What troubled me was, the fear of digital divide pushes everyone to be Digital consumers.

Unexpected consequence of digital divide:

For those who on the weak side, they have

No Internet overuse
No video game overuse
No compulsive shopping, social networking, even blogging

Say, no Internet addiction disorder.