The Conditions

The conditions for effective technology learning make sense to me. However, many of the schools where I currently work (substitute and student teach) do not meet these conditions. There seems to be a shared vision for an increase in technology engagement, however, there is not enough monetary resources to create access for all teachers and students. Some classrooms have Smartboards and some do not. Some computer labs are fully functioning and some are not. In most cases, there seems to be a lack of tech support- often computers aren't working and can take days or weeks to be fixed. On the other hand, more affluent schools have Smartboards in every classroom and tech support to fix the computer lab computers in a timely manner. I think the vision is there among all the schools, but overall there is a lack of resources. I think all the conditions are interconnected and equally important. With that said, there is one condition that needs to be met before the rest---- consistent and adequate funding. Funding needs to be consistent because technology is ever changing and adequate because if it's not enough if doesn't equitably reach and prepare all students for the future. Funding will determine if teachers HAVE and Can USE technology in the classroom and that ultimately effects whether technology becomes equitable and and useful for all students.