Throwing money at technology for classrooms might not be the best way to improve test scores and overall grades. The Kyrene School District in Arizona has spent nearly $33 million on software, laptops, and interactive black boards for district classrooms, yet grade improvements seem to have stagnated.
The New York Times is reporting that the district seems to have favored technology, like laptops and interactive screens, over teaching budgets. This resulted in a program in which there is a one-to-one laptop to student ratio yet there are concerns over whether this approach is actually improving anything. Test scores in the Kyrene district aren't improving with the introduction of a large technology budget, in fact they have stagnated.
Tom Vander Ark, the former executive director for education at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation feels "the data is pretty weak. It’s very difficult when we’re pressed to come up with convincing data. When it comes to showing results, we better put up or shut up."
Other critics of the push for technology in classrooms feel the biggest issue is the overall emphasis on digital skills like creating Power Point presentations or using word processing software instead of using technology to reinforce math, reading, and writing skills.
Vander Ark still feels the technology push in classrooms is "one of the three or four biggest things happening in the world today." Advocates of the technology in classrooms approach seem to think current tests don't reflect the larger skill set that computers can develop. Additionally, they argue that computers allow children to learn at their own pace and even gain a suite of skills important in the world today beyond simple math and reading skills.
With education budgets being so limited right now it's really hard to see the benefit of spending most of the budget on technology over teachers. Technology isn't going to improve scores and learning on its own. Without quality teaching staff and strong fundamentals, technology is little more than a flashy bullet point on a PTA program to try and show parents the school is future ready. Do you agree with the critics of technology in the classroom or the advocates? Would you rather see a large portion of a district budget spent on technology or teachers?
