We’ve got laptop computers, but no batteries for them.
“Teacher, Too” asked that we take this on as topic for discussion: Districts stressing technology and requiring teachers to use technology, but then not funding the maintenance on it.
Here is what Teacher, Too wrote:
‘‘This is just one example: We have laptops for students to use, but the batteries are now failing, and it seems as though the county has not budgeted for new laptop batteries. There aren’t enough outlets for students to plug in their laptops– so now what used to be enough laptops for a class is almost rendered unusable because the batteries aren’t being replaced.
Maybe the questions that ought to be asked (and some bloggers have alluded to them already) are: what technology do we (as teachers and students) need to have, and is there/will there be money to update/maintain it?
Some of the new technology is wonderful, but does it really improve education that much? (SMART Boards are nice, but are they necessary– or is it just another gimmicky thing to try and keep kids’ attention?)
I’m aggravated today because several of the laptops on the cart have batteries that need replacing. With the tight economy, I’m fully expecting to be told that there is no money for new batteries.”
Maureen back again:
As an education writer, I often see studies questioning whether technology investments in classrooms are paying off. One problem often cited is a lack of maintenance and upgrading. I do see a lot of interactive whiteboards in schools now. And a friend of mine says her fourth graders love them.
But do such technologies make that big a difference in student learning? And has maintenance and even batteries become a casualty of the financial meltdown?
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38 comments Add your comment
catlady
August 12th, 2009
9:11 pm
Our supt. has announced that he is coming around and he’d better see technology being incorporated into our classrooms! With lesson plans! This money was paid for this stuff, etc. The problem is the TEACHERS did not sit on the decision-making committee to buy the stuff. Teachers would have evaluated its usefulness quite differently from someone sitting in the CO. Like a WHOLE LOT OF OTHER STUFF for which those who “will do” need to have some major input from the real world where planning time is 25 minutes per day.
For some of my “technology” that was bought without my input but has some usefulness, I buy the batteries to try to keep them running.
MS admin
August 12th, 2009
9:19 pm
It is frustrating that school boards don’t adequately fund the continued use of technology in the classroom. There is nothing more frustrating for a teacher than to get excited to do something web based and interactive with students and then not be able to use it because the network fails, or the machine is messed up, or the batteries don’t work. As a school administrator, we have worked diligently at the school level to supplement with our own dollars and fund raisers. However, since the lottery funds were stopped being used for technology over 5 years ago, this seems to be where funds are cut first. The problem is that most jobs that students are going to get when they finish college or high school require some knowledge of working with computers and being able to make them do what you want them to do. Nearly every job requires the use of computers and we do a disservice to students now by teaching them in a classroom that more closely resembles 1909 life rather than 2009 life.
mift
August 12th, 2009
9:36 pm
Ok Ms Downey let’s be responsible in presenting information without a slant. There are many research studies that contribute the use of technology in the classroom can have a sugnificant impact on student academic success when the teacher is trained adaquately and when the teacher has command of the content. Recently Marzono published research that implies that technology such as interactive whiteboards have sigificant impact on student learning.
We as teachers have to learn that our students are “digital natives”. They learn with tools that we don’t relate to. They are the youtube, facebook, twitter generation. We have to engage them with the tools they relate to best.
mift
August 12th, 2009
9:40 pm
Ms. Downey yesterday you said that the folks in this blog are reformers at heart. How can presenting the idea that we should teach students like they are in the classroom of the 1950’s is reform minded. We should be demanding that school systems provide the technology tools needed to engage learners and keep them maintained.
frank
August 12th, 2009
9:51 pm
Seems like an extension cord with multiple outlets might do the trick.
mdowney
August 12th, 2009
10:10 pm
MIFT, I still agree with the assessment by the NAESP that it cannot yet be said unequivocally that technology has improved student learning. (They have a study on their site, for which I will post the link tomorrow. ) They cite problems with the methodology of the studies that show links and the difficulty in correlating student achievement with the technology. ,
ScienceTeacher671
August 12th, 2009
10:21 pm
mift said “There are many research studies that contribute the use of technology in the classroom can have a sugnificant impact on student academic success when the teacher is trained adaquately and when the teacher has command of the content.”
I’m not sure if any of those studies adequately separate use of the technology from teaching methods the teachers may use, but one big caveat there is that the teacher must be trained adequately and given extra time to learn to implement these methods…frequently in school systems, teachers are not, especially those catlady mentions with the 25 minute planning periods.
marianne
August 12th, 2009
11:10 pm
Thank you Frank!!!!
stew
August 13th, 2009
12:22 am
No problem with not having batteries for laptops. Let’s make sure we fund education and free breakfast and lunch for the illegal aliens in our school’s and budgeted. Thanks BOC.
free market educator
August 13th, 2009
1:20 am
I think it is much easier, cheaper, and more effective for free market educators to utilize technology in their “home schools”. If my children are intrigued with a new topic, we just pause in our reading and “Google it” and find out all about it, including videos. One day, while studying about Heracles in Greek mythology, my children were shocked to learn that he hated taking lyre lessons and smashed the instrument over his teacher’s head! Later, while trying to work this humorous event into their own mythologica “Just So” story, the topic of the lyre bird came up. My youngest wanted to know more, and after a quick Google search, we were laughing hysterically at a video of one of these birds (the tail feathers resemble a lyre) imitating a camera shutter, car alarm, and a CHAIN SAW. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjE0Kdfos4Y Needless to say, facts about this bird will be forever etched in their minds, and the video also provided great writing fodder for their parody. My children are quick to find the meaning of a new word when the laptop is right next to them. The online dictionaries also ensure correct pronunciation. This spontaneous use of technology would be more difficult to reproduce in a classroom setting. Some of our courses are on DVD or streaming video, and our computers also double as HDTV. My older child has a gift for computer programming and uses his spare time to advance his knowledge in this area. As a middle schooler, he has already advanced beyond most high school programming courses. This would not be possible without unrestricted access to the computer during his daily down time. Field trips and science experiments are all documented with digital photography. The photos are uploaded and stored on the computer for later use in DVD or print presentations. And of course, what would a teacher do without Mavis Beacon to teach typing? Free educational software and curriculum abound on the internet. As mom and teacher, my choices are not limited by some public school policy. I also qualify for Apple home school discounts. So far, we only buy Apple products because they last many years and are upgradable. As we add a new computer with our discount and no tax, the older one is passed down to the next child in line. By doing this over time, we have a computer for each child, plus extra, at a reasonable cost. To be honest, my kids know far more than me about computers in general. While we still do many things the old fashioned way (lectures, reading aloud, memorization and oral recitation), the computer is an indispensable home school tool.
aaaaaa
August 13th, 2009
2:16 am
Technology does help with student learning. It is not the ultimate answer, but it does help. Asking the BOE to have the foresight to budget for upkeep is not too much to ask. Would school buses be purchased with no funding for gas?
Perturbed
August 13th, 2009
5:53 am
It’s funny how all of those older than 50 or so (most high level admins) use the word “technology” in this mysterious, cloud-like tone. Most likely because they don’t know it, are intimidated by it. In GCPS, they blocked Wikipedia because there might be bad things in there, maybe wrong information! Your article about cell phones was a great example of meaningful technology, that if orchestrated correctly, could be more effective in learning. Imagine using cell phone cameras to study lessons on proportion in geometry. Every student doesn’t need one, they can work together to take pictures, do the math, and it’s a whole lot more fun than listening to some boring lecture!
mift
August 13th, 2009
6:22 am
Selective outrage is interesting. Textbook have little impact on student learning but we have parents lined up out the door when we do not supply one to students. We continue to spend millions on these tools.
Ernest
August 13th, 2009
6:32 am
Technology is simply another tool at the disposal of teachers to help with instruction. IMO one realizes the greatest assistance in the area of research. Whereas when some of us were in school, our research was limited to the World Book or whatever encyclopedias were in the library, students now have access to information around the world via their favorite search engine. This undoubtedly has increased the amount of plagiarism with respect to reports/research papers but at the same time tools have been developed to help teachers make an determination if it is original work.
In order to truly integrate technology into instruction, we need to improve teacher training along with their involvement in determining how it can help. I recall several years ago, MS Office training was provided with a 4 hour workshop and supplemented by a CD.
There are some GREAT series created by companies like The Learning Company that help supplement instruction. It is NOT a replacement for teacher led instruction.
Regarding maintenance, it needs to be separated into two distinct categories, hardware and software. Software maintenance is typically an annual charge based on the purchase price of the software (between 12-20%). This ’should’ provide help desk support along with upgrades when they become available. Hardware maintenance contracts can vary. The life expectancy of a PC/laptop is typically around 4-6 years. I’ve seen a variety of ‘fixed cost’ contracts that provide services ranging from full machine replacement to help desk support. The high end contracts typically last from 2-3 years then organizations let them lapse and provide support internally. One would think your MIS/IT department would keep an inventory of batteries/power cords/screens in stock to address those problems when they come up.
Approvals for maintenance renewals occur at Board meetings. It should not be a problem to research them and find out the extent of the maintenance contract.
KIKI
August 13th, 2009
6:39 am
As an elementary teacher I have used technology in my classroom for years thanks to a an electrical cord chain that would make the fire inspector have a stroke if he saw it. Now I have a smart board that I have not even had the chance to hook up because of lack of time. None of the cords reach anyway. When I do get 25 minutes of planning time (maybe twice a week) I am required to attend POI, RTI and even technology training during that time.( by a technology
specialist who knows less than me) After school the won’t work either because I am in some kind of useless faculty meeting or actually required to vacate the building by 6pm. I am so over this. I can’t do fifty things at once. With all the paperwork I am required to do. I have precious little time for actual instruction anyway. Walton County
AP Teacher
August 13th, 2009
6:40 am
Of course Smartboards aren’t “necessary”, but, they do allow me to post my class notes on my website everyday!
Frank – cute suggestion, but, the fire marshalls would have a stroke if they saw that!
first time poster
August 13th, 2009
7:54 am
Our county (Forsyth) has all of the student laptops stored in a custom made rolling box that is fully electrically wired. Everyone has an out let and no fire hazard. I believe we were one of the first, if not the first county in GA to implement Prometheus white board technology as well.
P'tree High Grad
August 13th, 2009
7:59 am
Proper use of batteries extends their life, and proper use isn’t all that easy, especially when they’re the taxpayer responsibility. All this talk of batteries and power cords doesn’t sound very GREEN to me.
William Casey
August 13th, 2009
8:24 am
The most important technology of all is that between the ears of the STUDENTS. If that isn’t engaged, nothing else matters.
Donnie
August 13th, 2009
10:41 am
Technology is rapidly changing! Of ocurse the budgets for the school system are slolwy declining and the number of students requiring technologocal assistance in growing.
However, many school systems are not aware of a program that is sponsored by the Federal Government called Computers For Learning. Every year hundreds of computers are being salvaged because of local, state and other non-profits not being aware of this gov’t program.g available…AT NO COST to the school system. Items include laptops, desktop systems, cpu’s, monitors, servers, scanners, printers and other very useful items.
…www.computersforlearning.gov
Truly worth taking a look!!!!
Seen it all
August 13th, 2009
11:04 am
I think the use of technology has merit in the classroom. It is a wonderful AID to instruction. But it cannot replace quality teaching. The thing about the “use of technology” in the classroom is that teachers need to be trained in effective methods and strategies for using computers in the classroom. This is something that requires time (and sometimes money). It also takes additional planning time on the part of teachers to implement these things correctly to get the desired outcomes.
Tony
August 13th, 2009
1:25 pm
There is plenty of evidence supporting the notion that the use of technology has a positive impact on student learning. You’ll find that people often look for “unequivocal” evidence simply to obfuscate the truth. Evidence emerges over time rather than through a single, definitive study.
The state of Georgia does not include technology funding in its formula. When the lottery started, technology was (and is still) one of the three ways that money was to be used. Unfortunately, the middle class lawmakers have seen fit to keep the funding directed toward the entitlement of their own children’s college education. Even PreK is getting the funding shaft.
After years of “temporary” austerity cuts, it is no wonder schools can’t even buy batteries for the laptops.
cricket
August 13th, 2009
3:43 pm
True Education is more about gaining the knowledge needed to access information than to retain random facts. We are not truly educating our students in this country and powers that be don’t want us to. Let’s be honest. It is all about documentation that will make certain adults involved look good. The students are not the point. Neither is technology.
cricket
August 13th, 2009
3:50 pm
Real teachers do not want it to be this way but they know that it is. Anyone who disagrees with this is, in my opinion, one of those adults that is worried more about themselves than they ever will a student.
Technology…aka computers is now part of life and will naturally incorporate itself into education just as the automobile and the telephone have.
cricket continued- as for the need for technology
August 13th, 2009
4:01 pm
It is simple actually. If you are not able to operate and incorporate technology ..aka computers into your daily tasks, you can’t really be considered a functioning person in this age. We really don’t need to make technology a separate issue in “education” or anything else. It would naturally incorporate itself into a true education system as air conditioning, automobiles, and telephones have in the past. The trouble is we don’t have a “true” public education system anymore. It is just a buzzword lottery for some greedy adults.
cricket again..
August 13th, 2009
4:06 pm
Unfortunately, this blog is not a marvel of technology and posted something I thought was lost. My writing is not nearly as repetitive when I don’t purposefully make it so.
Gwinnett citizen
August 13th, 2009
5:58 pm
GCPS teachers–is your laptop battery working? I hope so, because when/if it no longer works, the county won’t provide you with a new battery. You are expected to purchase your own–your tech person will even be so kind as to tell you which website to order it from.
ScienceTeacher671
August 13th, 2009
6:31 pm
Our county also keeps “all of the student laptops stored in a custom made rolling box that is fully electrically wired” – to charge the batteries. You wouldn’t be able to get a whole class full of students close enough to the box to work if the batteries didn’t work, however.
Yvonne
August 13th, 2009
6:39 pm
Technology does enhance learning if the students are engaged with the technology and use it themselves for research or the production of education based projects. It does not make that much difference if the students just sit and watch the teacher fumble with the equipment or see it just sitting on a cart gathering dust because the teacher was not adequately trained to use it or they don’t see the value of using it so they don’t even try. Many school systems purchased boat loads of equipment for every classroom with no input from teachers. Nobody asked Art teachers what technology would best serve you, what would best serve Math. It is not one size fits all, but who cares it’s just money and it looks good for the PR. Now we have rooms with technology that can’t be maintained due to budget shortfalls. This budget shortfall also leads to equipment that has barely been used and becomes obsolete overnight. Schools need to look at leasing up to date technology the same as most do with copiers now.
Gwinnett citizen
August 13th, 2009
6:52 pm
I keep seeing these comments about “dusty” technology equipment. What?? In my middle school of 1400, we have 6 laps and 4 portable carts of laptops (14 laptops per cart). We only have 2 smart boards for the whole school–first come, first served. There are many times when it is impossible to arrange computer use for a class because the stuff is in such demand. We would LOVE to take some of that dusty, useless junk off of your hands!
Gwinnett citizen
August 13th, 2009
6:53 pm
Oops–meant “labs,” not “laps”
cricket
August 13th, 2009
6:57 pm
“Our county also keeps “all of the student laptops stored in a custom made rolling box that is fully electrically wired”
Are we talking one box of laptops for the whole school? Which hour of which day had you better being using it? Sorry couldn’t resist.
ScienceTeacher671
August 13th, 2009
10:00 pm
Yep, cricket, one box for the whole school. It’s a class set, when they are all working, sometimes you need to reserve it weeks in advance, and you’re limited in the amount of time you can use it because we have to share.
cricket
August 13th, 2009
10:09 pm
“We would LOVE to take some of that dusty, useless junk off of your hands!”
It would most likely clog your network and bring everything to a crawl. What little you already have would be unusable.
TechMom
August 13th, 2009
10:59 pm
E-Bay! I’m teasing, no one expects a teacher to fork over money for a bunch of new batteries. But consider the fact that we are asked to provide our students with a ~$100 calculator. I just bought a new laptop battery for $35 for a Dell laptop. It’s OK that scholls spend hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars per student who play a sport but won’t drop $35 per student for technology that will actually benefit them in the long run. And we wonder what’s wrong with America’s public education system?
BOO WHO :-(
August 14th, 2009
8:04 am
I BELIEVE IT IS THE WORST THING A SCHOOL CAN DO FOR A STUDENT. “GIVE THEM A LAPTOP”
I SAY GIVE THEM DESKTOPS ONLY IF THEY JUST MUST HAVE A COMPUTER. WHY NOT GIVE THE LAPTOPS TO SOME OF THE STUDENTS THAT CANT AFFORD A COMPUTER. AND NEED TO GO TO THE LIBRARY TO DO A REPORT…..PUT THE MONEY TOWARD HELPING THOSE THAT ARE LOSING THEIR HOMES AND JOBS. OR DID WE FORGET ABOUT THE FINANCAL PROBLEMS THIS COUNTRY IS HAVING?
BOO WHO :-(
August 14th, 2009
8:19 am
If they taught the children how to use and properly charge a laptop the batter would last a lot longer. So what if they have to plug it in. BOO WHO…. why did we waste the money on laptops why not desktops? and in most school districts the kids parents that have to buy thier $100 calculators and cant afford that. Why not share that money and give the poorer students even half the chance to learn a little easier? (Yes i said easier) Have you thought when I went to school we weren’t learing that yet and if we did we did it the long wa? Why dont they? What would happen if we lost the ability to use the www? Would our kids wouldnt know what to do? I feel they can suffer with “NO GOOD BATTERIES)
Buzz G
August 14th, 2009
8:42 am
If we remove illegal aliens from our classrooms and send them back to get educated in their own countries, there will be plenty of money to go around for all kinds of technology. But our politicians don’t want to jeopardize any votes from illegals nor any contributions from companies that want perpetual cheap and pliable labor.