RE: Technology - A vision

I've worked as a substitute teacher primarily in the middle grades for the last four years. I've taught tech classes, math/science and language arts as a long-term sub. I came to teaching after working in the private sector as well as owning a small business. I also hold a Juris Doctorate degree. 

I'm continuously dismayed by the concept that technology is something that must be taught as an end to primary grade children. My idea of a high tech classroom has little to do with a computer on every desk. I see that as a huge waste of resources, both economic and physical, that will yield little benefit. 

My vision of a tech classroom is one where the teacher has a high powered multimedia capable computer, a flatbed scanner, a projector connected to the computer and finally an electronic slate (think Apple's Newton technology only with a full page sized screen) at every desk with server type software that is controlled from the teacher's station. 

Given the above tools, I could immediately bring the vast resources of the internet into the classroom. As a math teacher I could assign a math problem, have the children work it out on their slates and with software I could immediately assess who has grasped the concept and who hasn't, enabling me to adapt my teaching accordingly. That would be so helpful in a differentiated classroom. I could quickly individualize assignments based student needs. Textbook manufacturers already provide extended information and lessons online, but using it is difficult at best, because school technology hasn't been set up to utilize it. With the tools I'm suggesting, I could use those other materials effectively.

Herding thirty or so children down to a tech lab, teaching them essentially how to type, use a web browser etc. may be fun, but it does little to meet California's language arts and math standards. For every productive minute spent in the lab five are probably wasted just preparing. 

Technology is a tool that belongs in the classroom; but primarily a tool to enhance the teacher's ability to communicate with the students, and not an end in itself.