Jen's Interview

            When first seeking responses to questions on technology in the classroom, I found a great deal of people I asked had no opinion. “It’s good don’t you think?” or “Kids have to use technology today, so why not?” where extent of replies on the subject. Choosing not to ask anymore full-grown adults, I decided to go after students who had most recently experienced public school education, Alex who is a junior and Sarah who is a freshman.

            While both were very thoughtful in their responses, each came away with different priorities on the Blog, which I think is a reflection how long they have been away from the public school classroom. Alex appreciated it from a technological standpoint, while Sarah was affected by the information on the legal case.

            Each experienced some technology in their classrooms. Sarah from kindergarten and 

Alex from Second grade as he recalls. In the elementary grades computers were used as a
supplement to the direct education experienced in the classroom. Primarily as a reward for
finishing work in a timely manner. Alex recalls also having computer vision therapy at this time.
Alex received small doses of technological education, while Sarah received direct education in
the early elementary grades, in the upper elementary and middle school years students actively
used in the classroom. In high school, she received program design classes as well.

          Alex and Sarah both feel technology in the classroom is important. “Technology in the classroom can have many benefits but also some risks. I think the increase in technology in the educational environment is inevitable, so the problems with it are going to need to be addressed,” says Alex. He was less specific as to what he felt these problems would be. Sarah on the other hand is very concerned about right to privacy saying, “I think the problem of invasion of privacy through borrowed electronics is very important because it is immoral to use computers that are used outside of school to spy on students.” She goes on to say that, schools have greater rights during the school day, “Though they may use that technique in schools to make sure they are doing work during school hours, it is not the school's responsibility, nor should it be their concern, to oversee what students due outside of the school after or before school hours.”

         They also agree that people in general will have opinions on technology for various reasons. “I’m sure those who are involved in the educational field think it is an important problem because they actually have to deal with it. I’m not sure about other many other people,” says Alex. “I think others in the community care, but some for the wrong reason,” maintains Sarah. She still has misgivings about technology being a source of control over students and that they (students) would be more receptive if there were stronger guidelines for usage in place. “Some may genuinely feel the same way about the immorality of the subject, but some, namely some students care because they believe that if policies were initiated regarding student privacy, that the overseeing of computer activities during school hours and on school property would be eliminated as well.”

          Neither is aware of any government policies in place at this time. Alex states, “There is no policy for this problem.” Sarah tells us, “I am not sure of any policy that the government has to deal with this issue.” She goes on to say, “The legal item proves a point and it should be illegal for the school system to monitor the activity of students outside of school grounds, before and after school hours. it's up to the parents to monitor a child's activity and reprimand them accordingly outside of school, unless a teacher is put in charge of a student (i.e. detention, field trip, rehearsal, etc.), but that is also only for a set period of time, not consistently.”

         Sarah admits that her feelings are based in her own school experiences. “Unfortunately, she concludes, “due to ageism and the seemingly stereotypical "attitude and behavior of teenagers," allegations made by that age range may be looked upon as an excuse to have more freedom and rebel against the system of law and education.”

         Alex did feel that there were a number of sources on the internet, but choose not to share any. Sarah had no idea where more information could be found.

Jen