One Canadian university thinks so. Lakehead University is limiting WiFi access on their campus because of fears that the electromagnetic forces pose a heath risk to students. We’ve heard this about cell phones, microwaves, iPods and practically every other new technology that becomes widespread. Studies so far are inconclusive but companies obviously need to protect themselves in the event that it is proven that these things are dangerous.

Do the advantages to a campus-wide wireless system outweigh the potential health risks, especially when those risks are not yet medically confirmed?

Technorati tags: education technology health concerns

So I took a trip around the web and visited most of the state education websites to see what’s going on outside of my corner of the world. I wasn’t too surprised by what I saw; most states are focusing on making themselves look good for NCLB. However, my other goal was to find out what the state of technology in education is in other states and that is where I was most surprised.

First off, I wasn’t aware that the United States Education Department has implemented a National Education Technology Plan. What was most enlightening about this site was the success stories that describe what is being done in districts around the country to integrate technology into the curriculum. The reason this section surprised me so much was because I had visited many of the state education department websites for districts that were highlighted here and for the most part I did not see any reference to these programs on the main pages of the sites. Some of these programs are incredibly innovative and inspiring and should be publicized much more. Here’s a brief overview:

Eugene, OR districts are implementing handheld computer technology into K-12 classrooms. This program is being funded through the NCLB Title IID and allows students and teachers to have access to handheld computers, laptops, and curriculum enhancing software, as well as the training needed to allow teachers to make the program successful.

A San Antonio, TX district has distributed 1,400 handheld computers to teachers and administrators to assess student and teacher data. They have found that this program cuts down on paper documentation while increasing productivity because of easier access and organization of pertinent information.

A Eureka, CA district has implemented a program that makes technology an integral part of each students day, just as pen and paper has been to the traditional instruction methods. Technology tools are used to access and analyze student assessments, assist in student productivity, create curriculum and allow students to engage in activities that would be difficult to replicate without technology.

It was refreshing to see that so much can be done with technology, and that NCLB provides funding to promote this. What is disheartening, however, it that it is not more widespread in districts across the country. Most districts will complaing that funding does not allow for them to increase the use of technology in their schools; while this leads to an entirely different topic, I wonder how many schools are taking advantage of Title IID funds?

Technology integration is not something that can be achieved overnight, but schools do need to make it a priority and take advantage of existing programs that will allow them to do so. Many computer companies offer education incentive programs that are not being taken advantage of by the schools that need them most.

Where does your district stand with technology integration?

Technorati tags: education NCLB education reform technology technology integration department of education

I am amazed at the popularity of websites like myspace.com among high school students. Many of my students have a myspace and regularly update it with pictures, comments, and intimate details of their lives. I truly do not believe they realize that absolutely anyone can access their site and take advantage of the information they are sharing. They seem to think that the title of the website is literal – this is their space to do with as they please. Unfortunately they are sometimes dangerously misled in that belief.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported this week on a “joke” posted on the myspace site of 15 year old twin girls that got them arrested. They posted what they claim was a fake death threat against other students in their school and didn’t realize that it would be seen by people who would take it seriously. This is not an isolated incident, many kids have been gettin in trouble with authorities for posted threats on myspace and similar sites. Threats made by children are one thing; threats to children open up a whole new area of concern that many parents aren’t familiar with.

MSNBC reported on the dangers of children sharing too much information on sites like myspace. These sites are virtually an open door for pedophiles, stalkers and murderers. Studies have found that most parents are not aware of the dangers of sites like these until it is too late. Children need to be warned about the dangers of sharing any personal information on the web; not only because of predators but because of identity theft issues as well.

There is another, less ominous, downfall to teenagers who post too much on myspace. A coworker of mine who also coaches regularly checks the myspace sites of the kids on her team to make sure they aren’t doing anything they shouldn’t be involved in. Out of curiosity I did the same with my own students and was amazed at some of the content I saw posted. There were pictures of them drinking alcohol, baring too much skin, and participating in other activities that are illegal at their age, not to mention the language they use! When confronted with this the students invariably complain about the invasion of privacy, which only proves that they do not realize that anything they post on there is accessible to anyone who wants to find it. And, what may be worse, once it’s out in cyberspace, it’s very hard to get rid of.

What this amounts to is the need for more education about new technology and its effects. Sites like myspace can be very positive tools for staying connected with friends and family members, but, like anything, they need to be used responsibly. This is the future of communication and it needs to be understood so that it can remain a positive experience for those who use it. Technology changes so quickly that most of us aren’t even familiar with what is out there. Kids have an advantage here because it is already a part of their lives, but unfortunately that is why they don’t realize the dangers. Parents and educators must be aware of what kids are doing and help them navigate their way through the potential dangers of literally having the whole world at the tips of their fingers.

Technorati tags: education myspace social software technology

Views on NCLB legislation…

A coworker sent me this link to an animated movie created by the American Federation of Teachers. They have a blog that reviews NCLB in action and allows teachers to express their views on the legislation. Basically, teachers seem to understand this legislation is more about numbers than education.

What this legislation has accomplished is to label thousands of schools across the country as substandard under NCLB. This has led many states to petition the federal Education Department to review the way they measure student progress. While the feds are considering the changes suggested by schools, they are not willing to compromise on “certain core principals,” including breaking down student performance by race, ethnicity, income, disability, and gender. All this does is force schools to focus on statistics, and education becomes subverted by the stress districts face to meet standards that may not be realistic in all cases. Districts that are in high poverty communities are feeling the effects more than most because it is impossible for them to make a significant turn-around in one year. What I want to know is what is the government doing with all of these numbers? It seems that it’s a case of rich get richer…

And when we consider what our students need to succeed in the world beyond high school, how effective is NCLB going to be in actually not leaving them behind? Is it helping students like Gabriela who decided to drop out of high school in the twelfth grade because she couldn’t pass the new state requirements even after seven tries? What will become of her? When schools focus so much on making sure the students pass these exams they necessarily ignore the needs of the students. I have personally seen numbers “fudged” in order to make the requirements of NCLB. How much is that helping the students?

Technorati tags: education NCLB education reform