Wired Bodies in the Classroom

I thought this caption was funny and sort of went along with how some of the teachers in the Ridgeview Academy felt after implementing wireless laptops in their school. 

This article was written in 2006 and how technology has changed since then! They had reservations about implementing on-line wireless computers and today that’s everywhere! This all girl school’s teachers and administration implemented a wireless laptop program to recruit, prepare, and make their girls “stronger” as part of developing the “whole student.” However they felt there were potential dangers and the Internet contained “frightening places.”

I feel early on Internet use by kids was a huge worry but schools have blocked many of the sites and have taken the necessary precautions to prevent misuse.  I feel parents still have some of the same concerns about Internet use because the bottom line is kids are curious.  They are going to be sneaky and try to get on sites they shouldn’t.  

I do agree with the teacher that said you have to limit laptop usage.   The author talks about how too much online/computer activity can break down and damage classroom interaction.  There needs to be discussions and face-to-face interaction.  After reading Peter Johnston’s book, Opening Minds, I feel even more strongly about kids needing conversations.  One reason he gives is that it teaches kids to debate their own opinion while valuing the other person.  Johnston points out that kids are less likely to make fun of ‘Johnny’ after talking and getting to know him rather than the kid in the 3^rd row whom he’s never spoken to.  I also think kids need to learn to articulate verbally … but as one teacher says, “Maybe it doesn’t matter if they articulate it in (an online) forum or if they articulate it verbally.”  Something to think about.