Technology is Fun!

In today’s world of computers and the internet, schools have learned to use new technology to appear to be better than they really are. I like to refer to this phenomenon as “Symbolism over Substance” or “It’s Better to Look Good than to be Good.”
Another local private school built a new computer lab located next to main entrance and the office. As I was told by one of their teachers, the administration planned the computer lab with the idea that it would be the first thing you see when entering the school. A floor to ceiling glass wall makes the addition visible to all. Impressed parents imagine their children learning the most up to date technology, but this is just an illusion.
My own school allows each teacher a generous $950 allowance toward a new computer every three years. I myself am on my third lap top from this program. I have to admit that I would be lost without my computer. When my computer is “down” I am unable to do any of my important teacher duties. I could teach class without one, in fact, all I need to teach chemistry is a chalk board and a periodic table. I have included “power points” in my teaching “bag-o-tricks” because it makes me look good to administrators and parents. In reality, a power point presentation is no more effective than any other kind of teaching strategy.
We do everything by computer. I take and report attendance, record grades, get weekly faculty bulletins, and communicate with other teachers and parents. The students are dependent on a computer to register for classes, order books, and pay for their lunch. I am sure that it is like that at every school–we are not special in that regard.