RUNNING TO CATCH A MOVIE TRAIN:
SCHOOL'S OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
by Harry Jay Becker
SUMMARY OF ARTICLE
In the article, “Running to Catch a Moving Train: Schools
and Information Technologies” by Henry Jay Becker, the author
talks about how computers and technology is used in schools.
Although elementary and secondary schools are beginning to acquire
computers, many of the current computers are lacking. About one
half of computers at schools are not equipped with either Windows
or Macintosh operating system, fewer than 10 percent of computers
are equipped with a CD-ROM, and as of 1992, only one-fifth of
school computers have a local area network. Even though computers
can enhance a student’s education, most of its use is on
general “computer literacy” such as typing and word
processing activities. Only a small percentage is used for mathematics,
science, social studies, and other non-computer classes.
Computers can be a great way to enable students to access huge
amounts of information with search engines, communicate with other
classrooms and experts throughout the world, and use software
for simulation and model-building, mathematical analysis and exploration,
creative writing and publication of written work, and the study
of art and music. Although there are a variety of options, many
students have a hard understanding on using some of these features.
Becker introduces two issues that prevent a more widespread use
of computer as productivity tools: 1) teacher’s current
priorities among competing instructional objectives and 2) the
time and computer resources needed to provide opportunities for
all students to use computer in these ways. There just isn’t
enough time and resources for teachers to teach these skills to
each and every student.
Computer-based applications that are developed for education
are still playing a small role in most school’s education.
There is very little support for teachers’ effort to learn
and apply technology in their teaching. Becker suggest in order
for change to occur, we need to rethink instruction goals, provide
clear models for how technology can be used to help attain those
goals, improve teachers’ understanding about how to use
technology in those ways, and develop rational systems of jointly
planning curriculum improvements and investment in instructional
resources.
IMPACT ON PRACTICE OF EDUATION
Computers have had a great impact on education. Computer is the
resource that all students and teachers need. Students can study
and do research on their own time and not have to rely on library
hours to do their work. There is a vast community of experts that
are more than willing to share their wealth of knowledge. Children
that grew up in small towns and cities can obtain the same information
and resources as children from New York City.
REACTION ON ARTICLE
While growing up as a child, I loved using the computer. I would
be the first one in line at school when we got to use the computers.
Computer had a big impact in education for me because it allowed
me to interact with things and I could move at my own pace. Being
a slow learner while growing up, this really helped me improve
my learning skills. Becker makes a good point that many good computer-based
applications are only used sparsely in schools. I think, for many
students, a computer allows them to be more open and freely to
express their ideas and opinions.
QUESTION(S) / TOPIC(S) FOR DISCUSSIONS
1. Will teachers ever have time to learn all these new computer
applications and technologies to teach their students?
