3.1.2 The Average School

Now that we have a grasp of what technology is, it is possible for us to look at what technology is needed in the schools. Even though it is not commonly thought of as a technology, it is important to realize that almost everything with which students interact on a daily basis is technology. Everything from paper to paperclips, scissors to staplers, books to desks. These items can be seen as the technology of a school, and although many people feel that they are the basic items of the classroom (which they are), they are also in short supply in many areas. School budgets allow for a limited amount of these items, and if they are used up before the end of the year it is difficult to get more. Just think how difficult it would be to teach a class with no paper.

For the purposes of this discussion we will restrict ourselves to discussing those items that are considered "high tech." This includes items like computers, printers, networking equipment, Internet access, scanners, software, etc?

To start out with, let's discuss the average school. What would you imagine the average school has in the way of technology? Many people will say computers, the Internet, graphing calculators, etc., and although these are all correct, they do not encompass the reality of the average school. The average school will have: one computer lab (composed almost entirely of slow 486 machines), internet access at one main point (such as the library) on two or three computers, televisions (possibly in every room, but not likely), a VCR for each TV, overhead projectors (few if any new models), graphing calculators (enough for approximately two classrooms), tape recorders (for use in the foreign languages), and a few other miscellaneous items. Compare this to the school from which you graduated. Would you consider your school an average school? If not, what would it take to make it average, and more importantly, is that good enough?

Compared to the schools of ten years ago, the average school is greatly advanced. However, it is nowhere close to what is needed. For schools to maintain their ability to educate the children of tomorrow it is necessary to have the best equipment, and use it effectively.

	No Parrot Question
	Mr. Holt teaches history at a suburban high school and has the benefit of a new overhead projector, a new computer in his classroom, and special software packages that allow him to easily remediate his students when it is needed. How is Mr. Holt able to supply his students with an education easier than most other teachers can?	Answer Here