I'm going to be working on a thesis concerning technology's role in enabling
systemic reform in elementary education. I'd be interested in hearing any
responses you receive to your question, as well as your thoughts on the
topic!
Personally, I've seen some pretty amazing changes in the students on my
3rd/4th grade team this year. We have a highly technology-oriented group of
three teachers who have promoted technology substantially this year. It's
been just amazing to see how enthusiastic and independent the kids have
become in their quest for information via technology. They absolutely LOVE
research! They have access to CD-ROM, internet, electronic mail, scanners,
color printers, digital cameras, and a whole host of other software
applications. They've become so proud of their skills and the abilities they
have to create professional looking presentations.
I guess it can hinder some kids, but you'd have to define what "hindering"
really is. There are kids that tend to spend a lot of time designing, and
those that struggle with learning the applications, but the flip side is
there is an incredible amount of problem solving, collaborating, sharing, and
communicating going on! And do you realize how much learning they're doing
in learning to scan to find relevant information? Wow! There's no way they
can avoid learning that skill when they're on the internet, especially since
this age group is still really learning to read.
I can't imagine life without the technology being available to them! Hope
this helps!
Kathy Schaw
kschaw@aol.com