Journal 5: Harnessing the Power of Technology

(NETS-T 3 and 5)

Duncan , A. (2011). Harnessing the power of technology. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

     The article, "Harnessing the Power of Technology" by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, is all about getting technology integrated into education throughout the entire country. He acknowledges that there are several problems that are in the way of technology being completely incorporated in every part of the country, but that teachers and schools must overcome these difficulties because technology engages students and enhances achievement greatly. One of the greatest aspects of technology is its ability to personalize education. Certain programs allow some students to progress as they grasp quicker, but offer extra help for struggling students by online tutoring and videos.This allows students to meet their own needs and go at their own pace. He emphasizes that technology should not replace teachers, but that teachers are necessary to implement these innovative tools, and to work with their peers and become leaders to help this cause. Also, "Research shows that students who benefit from both technology and effective teachers learn more than students who have one but not the other" (Duncan, 2011). The government is doing its part to create a research group to find the best technologies, as well as to provide billions of dollars toward getting internet access in even the most rural parts, or low-income urban parts of the country. ISTE has created the NETS for students and teachers, which serve as a guide for what needs to be done in the realm of technology and education. Duncan lists 5 goals for technology: Learning (Engage and Empower), Assessment (Measure what Matters), Teaching (Prepare and Connect), Infrastructure (Access and Enable), and Productivity (Redesign and Transform). He also thinks it is very important to have connected online communities for teachers to get access to experts, share practices, and solve problems.
     The hope is that with all of these changes, we can move from a print-based education system to digital learning. The goal is to "vastly improve the opportunity to learn, accelerate achievement, and prepare students for success in the 21st century workforce" (Duncan, 2011).

QUESTION 1: What do I think is the most important benefit of technology discussed in this article?
The ability to personalize learning is great. Not every student works at the same pace, so having the technology customized for each student makes the teachers job a lot simpler, and allows for more quality teaching time, than modifying paper assignments for every student.

QUESTION 2: What is the overall goal of incorporating technology into schools?
To increase student engagement, and to promote success in the workforce, which relies heavily on technology in most fields.