The Correct Way to do Technology in Education
Over on SiliconRepublic at this very moment, stands an article describing how technology in education is transforming the way we do education.
As some people will know, I’ve spent a lot of time over the course of the last year posting on forums, ringing random people, and debating senselessly with my teachers and the staff at my school. My primary problems were dealing with teacher’s concerns, and yes, all those concerns were valid.
Ever since H-Schools back in the 18th century, a paper/slate method has been the students way of learning. But now, all that is changing, and technology is growing into the mindsets of young people, and having the Internet at your fingertips is quite a regular experience for the youth of today - and yet so daunting for the older generations.
Whilst I have been trying to burn the myths and fight the fears of the teachers over the past year, an even bigger, uncontrollable problem occured to me; How can a student use technology when it’s not there?
The Ratio of computers to students in my secondary school is, from what I calculated, about 1 computer to 13 students. This is an impractical figure for anyone to have to put up with, and trying to make appointments, and ‘bag’ booking times just to get into the computer room is frustrating for any teacher to deal with. If that wasn’t bad enough, the teacher will be able to put up notes onto the software, but what’s the point of doing that when they’re will be at least 25% of the class without Internet access at their house - either by their own choice, poverty, or lack of broadband availability penetration throughout Mayo.
No matter what way you look at the situation, it’s a failure to the highest degree. Eircom has been negligent in providing broadband services across the county, and companies like Westnet are expanding rapidly, but due to their nature, have limited resources and cannot just activate the whole county overnight for broadband. There’s ways and means of getting broadband, but it takes a lot of exploration, and each method has disadvantages.
For this reason, I have decided that to introduce radical technology, implement it rapidly, and deploy it permanently, without training or consulting teachers would be the most ridiculous thing I could ever do. Instead, I have taken the “Moodle Project” under my wing, and I am currently developing a plan that would see the software being phased in over the course of two years. Two peers of mine; Stephen and Choo Yee have come on board, and between us, we are aiming to inform teachers of the benefits, advantages and disadvantages of such software, and how best to approach it from a learning aspect, in a way beneficial to the students and teachers.
Hopefully, in two years time, the recession (which was just announced today), will have disappeared, technology will have reduced in price, and larger grants will be available, with a higher level of training being provided. Either way, I’ll probably be in college, but I’ll be handing over the reigns, and it will be my intention that Rice College will be ahead the pack. Myself and my peers who are working on this project, are very grateful for having the support of the various bodies within the school, especially groups such as the Parents Council who have sponsored us financially, and the management of the school who have recognised the potential of the project and have backed us fully.
Bare in mind, that if I can help/advise anyone get broadband, or buy a new laptop, I’d be happy to give up a few minutes of my day to give them a hand. Also, if anyone has any suggestions in regard introducing technology to education, or has any stories to tell, I would be delighted to hear them.
o2 Broadband offer for Students
Just a heads up to all those third-level students out there looking for broadband. HEAnet have negotiated an offer with o2 that will give all third-level students Mobile Broadband for as little as €20 once-off for the modem, and €13 monthly for a wireless broadband connection, with a 10gb download limit.
Terms and conditions apply (as always) and to avail of this offer you will need to go to an O2 retail store and you will need to bring:
- Photo ID in the form of a valid 08/09 student card from one of the participating institutions
- Proof of address in the form of a utility bill or letter from the CAO or institution
- Bank details or credit laser card for direct debit payment
- Proof of date of birth
Just bring these details into your local o2 shop and they’ll get you sorted.
Bloggy Woggy
I’ve never fancied blogs too much, so I never bothered. but now I’m beginning to like them, so here it is. I want in.
Short and Sweet - just the way to do it.