From Now On
The Educational Technology Journal
 Vol 12|No9|May|2003

The Technology Presumption:
Could Integrating Technology Sometimes be Wrong-Minded?

Many states and organizations press schools to integrate new technologies into curriculum as if there is some presumption of excellence that justifies shoving aside other tools and media to make room for what is new and trendy, but this presumption often proves wrong, and the pressure to integrate may distort lessons, units and learning in unhealthy ways.

For the past several years many schools in the U.S. and abroad have tried to extend the use of new technologies across all classrooms and subject areas regardless of the readiness, inclination or appropriateness of a particular class, subject or teacher. While it might seem like heresy, McKenzie argues that our learning goals might be achieved with more quality and depth by focusing our efforts and our resources on those teachers, subjects and units where new technologies are likely to have the highest payoffs and the most natural fit. Rather than spreading ourselves thinly across the entire program, McKenzie suggests we concentrate in order to conserve resources and win better results.

The May Cartoon
Racing for Technology

In some schools and districts, the most important thing is being first in the technology race. First fibered district. First laptopped school. First laptopped state. First handheld school. First virtual school. First digital school. First paperless, bookless, unlibraried school.

FNO Press Launches Web Site Critical of NCLB

Concerned that NCLB puts too much emphasis on testing and not enough on capacity building and funding, FNO Press has launched a new journal, "No Child Left," and a Web site, http://nochildleft.com, to urge repeal or drastic amendment of NCLB. You can subscribe for free to the monthly journal.

An important new book from Australia with a focus on problem-based learning, questioning and literacies.

Credits: The photographs were shot by Jamie McKenzie.
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