Friday, September 17, 2010

Week 2 Post: Intro to the debate that is 1:1 Computing

As I mentioned in my first post, there is a debate about whether 1:1 Computing enhances or retracts from the educational experience. 

On one side, people believe that the constant access to technology allows students to accomplish more in the classroom.  The other side of the debate feels that such an emphasis on technology actually retracts from the learning experience.  The following is a link to an article by the Educational World Technology Center describing each side of the debate. Take a look and let me know what you think!

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech197.shtml

Thursday, September 16, 2010

1:1 Computing

For my first post, I would like to begin by apologizing for waiting until now to post.  I have been working some extremely long hours (16+ hour days, 7 days a week), so I have had a hard time adjusting.  But thats no excuse! I will pick up my blogging game from here on out.  Secondly, I would like to point out a pretty bizarre coincidence.  I did not choose a blog topic in time (big surprise right?) so I was assigned a random topic.  That topic happened to be 1:1 Computing.  Ready for the big coincidence? I wrote my final research paper at Stanford University on 1:1 Computing.  Crazy right? So I have a little bit of experience with the subject.  However, I wrote that paper almost 2 years ago so I'm gonna have to refresh my memory a little bit!

I will begin my discussion with a brief definition of 1:1 Computing.  1:1 Computing is the idea of providing a personal computer to students so they may use it to enhance their educational experience.  It focuses on the idea of providing students with access to information technology anytime of the day.

This is actually quite a contoversial idea.  In my thesis paper, I argued in favor of 1:1 Computing; however, there are many people who disagree.  Throughout my weekly postings, I will be discussing the two sides of the debate.  Ultimately, I hope to persuade a few of you to jump on the 1:1 Computing bandwagon!

The following is a link to an article written by the Educational World Technology Center.  They explain the different types of technology involved with 1:1 Computing. In the article, the pros and cons of each type of technology are discussed in depth.  This is a great article to get you familair with 1:1 Computing. Enjoy!

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech194.shtml