Technology is GOOD :--)

[Reagan Powell]

Hey, I am working on my certification as a media specialist. I am currently working as a school counselor, and I am having issues with the way our school system views technology. I wanted to start a discussion... I feel that our school system does not really encourage technology. We don't have a lot of money, so technology is VERY limited in our school, most teachers don't really care about using it, and students are discouraged from using certain kinds of technology. I feel that the general consensus of the faculty is that the Internet is BAD for students. Many many sites are blocked. Our students cannot even log onto the SAT website to register for the test at our school! I would like to get your thoughts on this and how to begin to get a school system to start thinking about things differently or any other comments you would like to make.

[Heather Heck]

Reagan,

Where are you? What region are you in? I know here in WV, things aren't as bad as they used to be. Only advice I can give--as I'm sure others have, too--is to be your school's best and most active tech advocate. Is somebody filtering this stuff? I mean, if your kids can't even hit a testing web site, that's bad. Buddy up to one of the tech people or even the LMS at your school and see if you can make changes. They may be small and seem like they're taking forever, but small is better than none. More info., please, so I can maybe help. . .