Reflections On Article Readings

                                                 
In the article "Of Luddites, Learning, and Life" I find it interesting that one can protest technology so much when he knows how to use it. Although he claims not to protest it, it is obvious by his ramblings that he does protest it very much. I can see where he is coming from on some things like children learning from computers and not being able to accomplish things without them. In life there are times when a computer is not available and we need to be able to know how to do things without it. Just like doing math calculations, I don't believe children should be taught with a calculator until they get to more difficult math. During elementary years children should learn to compute problems in their heads or on paper.
I can relate to this man because I have been afraid of new technology but that was because of the unknown of it to me. When I've figured out how to use new technology I feel a great sense of accomplishment; also it makes things so much easier to use diverse technology. In some ways relying only on gadgets does make me afraid because computers crash and so do cell phones. The information that is on those can be lost if not backed up by more technology. But with that said I have gained a lot of information by getting on the web and Google, when I want to know something I just search it.

In the article "Beyond Technology Integration: the Case for Technology Transformation" I agree with the author on the fact that we need to be teaching kids how to use new technology. I was never able to use computers as a kid and rarely used them in high school. Only because they weren't readily available to me, so when I used one to type a paper that's all I did. I didn't realize how great they are until I got into college and was able to get a lap-top and start exploring the Internet. I wish someone had taught me how to use one a lot sooner then I probably wouldn't be so afraid of new technology.
As for the different learning abilities teachers are faced with students and being able to teach to all of them at the same time I think that is where the teacher has to utilize the buddy system. When students are in groups they can hide behind one member or they can grasp the concepts by learning from another. The teacher will be able to help more by doing this because she has many helpers and she can assist those individuals who are struggling. But using a computer and other technology meets the many diverse needs in the learning process. The child will be doing hands on, auditory learning, and it also meets the creative side with visual learning.
I do believe there are lots of people out there still afraid of technology because of their lack of knowledge with it. So by teaching this new generation of kids about diverse technology they can pass that knowledge on to family members. Children are in school to learn and they should be able to learn about how to succeed in the world by having new technology introduced to them.