Learning has evolved and changed throughout the years, and recently technology has been integrated into the classroom at a very rapid rate. In fact, Montgomery County has been looking to adopt a new curriculum since last spring and will likely make a decision this month.
A six-month study was conducted by The Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy to analyze how effective the current curriculum is, and one of their findings was that incorporating technology into the next curriculum will be beneficial for student learning and research.
Walter Johnson (WJ) senior Jessica Silverman agrees that technology is a great tool to improve learning.
“I definitely think technology in the classroom has been useful just because it allows to have access to videos and articles. Overall technology has been very useful and helpful,” Silverman said.
Additionally, WJ teacher Wendy Borrelli believes technology makes learning more interesting for students and more applicable to their everyday lives.
“I think it’s great because it allows students to engage with what’s happening and to do so both in the classroom and out of the classroom, using a medium they’re comfortable with and is still exciting and relevant to their lives,” Borrelli said.
However, the suggestion to put more technology into the new curriculum faced backlash from Montgomery County Council of PTAs (MCCPTA), who wants more research done of how much technology is appropriate for different age groups, and what both the positive and negative impacts will be.
While the increased use of technology has created many new opportunities for students and teachers, it does put some students at a disadvantage. Typically, teachers will give assignment for students to complete online and many have been utilizing the resources on Google Classroom.
A challenge is presented for students who do not have technology or internet access at home. Fortunately, this challenge does not seem to hinder students’ success, as schools around Montgomery County provide assistance and work with companies to level the playing field.
According to Walter Johnson (WJ) principal Jennifer Baker, there are many ways WJ ensures every student has the technology and internet they need for their classes. WJ’s media center is open before school, after school, and during lunch, and they provide the opportunity for students to rent chromebooks.
Students have numerous options outside of school as well. The company Phoenix Computer allows students to buy significantly cheap computers, as long as they have a referral from the school. Additionally, Comcast Internet Essentials allows students who qualify for Free and Reduced Meals to have easier access to internet at home.
Additionally, there are other disadvantages that students and teacher may face if this new plan is implemented. Borrelli addresses increased technology as a “double edged sword” as there are clear benefits, but there are also negative effects that come with it.
“I also think that it provides an endless distraction to students as well,” Borrelli said.
Silverman believes that the slow, inconsistent school Wifi at WJ, and likely other schools in the county, will not allow students to complete their work and work to the best of their ability in class.
The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) website offers a survey so people can express their questions or comments about the advantages and disadvantages of increased technology in class. This survey can be accessed at: https://mcpsweb.wufoo.com/forms/instructional-materials-process-input-form/
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Courtney Cohn of Walter Johnson High School