Project Tomorrow Speak Up 2009

            Project Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization that conducts the Speak Up National Research Project.  It is responsible for the publication of national surveys and details the correlations to the improvement of education.  The Speak Up 2009 National Findings gives immense insight into the role that technology plays in the lives of students and the importance of connecting it to education.  This was a very interesting article that made me begin to consider many ideas regarding the place of technology in education.  I used to believe that technology does not have as much importance in education as a paper and pencil, but the further into my career studies I go, the more I realize the need to incorporate technology into the classroom. 

            This article makes very convincing and logical points regarding technology in education.  It is explained that technology is prevalent in the world and students are constantly using technology independently.  It seems completely valid that education should include this, considering that education should address student interests and real-world demands.  I also found it important to note that as teachers, it is our responsibility to facilitate learning, which creates a pressure because it is limited by our individual knowledge base.  Technology is allowing students and teachers alike to go beyond the restrictions of the classroom. 

            It is also discussed that students are taking technology education into their own hands.  This becomes a knowledge base that students have, which is very evident in Figure 3, titled “Students are ‘Free Agent’ Learners…” (p. 6).  Because the job of a teacher involves extending upon previous knowledge and experience it seems like a waste of skills not to utilize the knowledge that students have regarding technology.  The use of technology is clearly enhancing student interest through interactions such as online games or simulations, which 18% of students use to learn on their own.  Also it helps to promote student collaboration and social interactions, which we see through the 26% of students who “sought help from other students via social network”.  Clearly not using the technology knowledge that students have may be stifling their opportunities for educational success.

            Table 2 (p. 11) expresses teacher concerns regarding the use of mobile devices in the classroom.  I greatly identified with these statistics because I agree with 62% of teachers in their concern for those students who do not have access to mobile devices.  In an area with a large socio-economic gap this may impact students’ personal growth and highlight social inequalities.  I also wondered if it would add to the distraction of students, which this table illustrates that 76% of teachers worry about as well.  I do see the importance of integrating technology into curriculum, but wonder if mobile devices would benefit some students more than others.  As a teacher, I will have to discover a way to utilize the many electronic resources that students have available, while providing equal technological availability to those students without access.  This article really helped my to look at technology use in a different light and I am interested to see how the statistics will change in the upcoming years.