Journal 5

“Social Justice: Choice or Necessity?”
By: Colleen Swain & David Edyburn

Technology is a major factor in our society today. In Swain and Edyburn’s article, the authors discuss the social justice issue, regarding technology. Basically, most colleges and jobs require students and employees to be able to use a certain amount of technology. As far as college, students must be able to use basic computer functions when conducting research on the Internet, creating PowerPoint presentations, retrieving and sending e-mails, and submitting assignments online. If the student is not familiar with these basic functions, they are at a severe disadvantage. Likewise, higher paying jobs, nowadays, require employees to be familiar with a certain amount of technology. If the employee candidate is not technologically savvy he will most likely be passed over for a candidate who is more familiar with the systems used at the job sight. The person who was passed over is forced to work at a lower-paying job. The authors want to know the best way to reach everyone and teach them to use the technology available.

While several schools in our society are working hard to get more and more computers in the classroom, there are still many schools that don’t have this luxury. Children at these schools are at a major disadvantage. It is our job, as teachers, to find ways to obtain computers for our classrooms. Sometimes, you can purchase computers in bulk at highly discounted rates. In one of my classes, Mary Stefanki Davis discussed how one parent donated a significant amount of money for her PE program. With those extra funds, she was able to purchase several new items for her students. If teachers just ask, there are financial sources hiding in unexpected places. :)

A final topic the authors discussed was that of whether incorporating technology in the classroom should be a teachers’ choice. They explain that this is a matter of social justice because it affects the child’s future endeavors in life. Whether the student is college-bound or headed for the work field, knowledge in technology will significantly affect the child’s path in life.

Question #1: Do you agree with the authors? Do you think that a teacher’s choice to incorporate technology in the classroom is a matter of social justice?

Absolutely, I do. Our job as educators is to teach students not only about reading, writing and arithmetic; It is our responsibility to teach them about life. In today’s society, technology is a huge part of our life. I, for one, want to prepare my students to succeed in the real world. I plan on doing my best in keeping up with the latest technology, and integrating it into my classroom.

Question #2: How would you deal with a colleague who chose not to incorporate any technology in her classroom?

A. I would pretend I didn’t notice, and not say anything.
B. I would casually ask her why she didn’t want to use technology in her classroom, and then just drop it, regardless of her answer.
C. I would tell the principal.
D. I would do my best to help her, first, realize the importance of technology, and then I would make suggestions on what she could do to include technology in her own classroom. I would also have her read this article, and explain to her the importance of technology for our students’ future.

ANSWER = D :)