Response to Morse Reading

I think that this article touched on a serious issue, that is also a concern of mine. Technology is important in the future and should be taught in schools. However, there are considerations to teaching technology. The first consideration is that not all students have access to a computer. Only three years ago when I attended highschool, I didn’t have access to a computer. I was forced to use the computers in the library on my lunch break. This was not long ago and still many children in lower class families do not have access to a computer. Each of these students deserve an opportunity to an equal education and therefore should not be required to engage in computer related assignments without access. The article “Education and Urban Society” written by Timothy E. Morse states, “even though computer technology is being used more frequently throughout society, its use is not equitable among the social groups in society, a circumstance that could result in negative outcomes for students with limited access to computer technology” (267-268). Before requiring students to use technology to meet education requirements, the inequality that is being created needs to be addressed.

The final crucial consideration to be made when incorporating technology into classrooms is the grade level and the extent to which technology is included. Younger students from kindergarten to fifth grade should focus on reading, writing, math, science, social studies, art, etc. and should not be overly exposed to technology. The basic skills are essential to a knowledgeable life, students still need to be taught these skills. "Morse states "the movement to integrate technology should not supercede the need to teach students basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills" (277). In these early years of school, students should be taught responsible computer use and appropriate computer citizenship in addition to basic skills. As students reach middle school and high school, they should be taught typing and use of computer programs. This instruction needs to be done during a set school time, so that all students will have an equal opportunity to become technology literate in our evolving world.