JOURNAL 08 A "Fantastic Super" Use of Technology: Closing the Digital Gap

Curtis, Diane (November 1,2002). A "Fantastic Super" Use of Technology: Closing the Digital Divide. Retrieved 12/19/2008, from http://www.edutopia.org

Mary Scroggs Elementary School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina is a leader in demonstrating the “Use of Technology” in the classroom. When the school was constructed in 1999 the intention was “…when we designed the school, not only did we design a new facility, but we really designed a new program.” This program included integrating technology “…into the curriculum and determination to close the digital divide.” With a grant from BellSouth contingent upon using a “’Power to Learn’ approach to instruction, which uses brain research in determining different learning plans for students” the Internet, closed-circuit school television, wireless laptops, computers in every classroom and many excellent software programs became “..an integral part of the learning package at the pre-K-5 school.” This package included heavy use of email to keep teachers informed and up-to-date but unique to this program was the ability to stay in touch with 90 percent of the Scroggs parents. Families without the means to purchase computers were loaned “…Internet access devices…” which gave students and their parents access to email, software, and there child’s school folders. This allowed parents to participate and play an essential role in there child’s education. In addition the program emphasized collaboration between teachers to teachers and teachers to administration creating a more professional atmosphere with support and training. Scroggs Elementary is what all schools should strive to become. The more tools and people you can get involved in a students education (technology, teacher, parent, administrator) I believe the better chance of success for the student.

Questions…
1.Given the California budget problems how can the
educational community maintain a connection and
furnish it’s needs for technology?

Just as Scroggs Elementary has been meeting it’s technology demands by allying with private industry it seems the California educational community can do the same. California’s being the “sixth largest country” and with Silicon Valley being the heart of technology it would seem the ideal place to begin inquiring about educational/private partnerships. I’m sure there are educational relationships in place today but why haven’t we heard of such innovations taking place in California as compared to North Carolina? I do not advocate private industry taking the reins of Public Education but there must be a “happy medium” that could be advantageous to both.

2.How important is parental involvement in a students' life?

I believe it is crucial to have parental involvement in a student’s educational life. I know it is very difficult for many parents but if an email system were instituted across the country as accomplished at Scruggs I believe student achievement would increase and parents/student relationships would dramatically improve. The speed, convenience, and ease of email are an ideal method of communication.