Journal 8: "A 'Fantastic Super' Use of Technology: Closing the Digital Divide"

Curtis, Diane. "A '"Fantastic Super" Use of Technology: Closing the Digital Divide." 5 Jan 2009 http://www.edutopia.org/fantastic-super-use-technology.

I thought this article was really cool and found it interesting that there was a school so focused on technology and helping the younger generation get a good start. The idea for the Mary Scrogg Elementary School is a very inventive one. The way they designed the school seems very user friendly for the teachers and the students. It is nice for the teachers to have an office so close to the classroom in order to access all the information they need. I like the idea of using email and a class web page as a main way to communicate with the school, students, faculty, and parents. If there is one place homework, what's going on in the class, finished work, and fun facts it keeps communication open with parents and students. A parent can always see what is being worked on and the finished project.

I noticed in the article it had said that ninety percent of the students are white. I do not know it that is because their demographic is different over there. It would be nice to see more cultural diversity in the school. I do like ow they give out computers on a loan basis for those who cannot afford or do not have one at home.

I wish that they would have had a school like that for me growing up. I would have liked to learned more about technology and used it throughout my school life growing up and I feel like I wouldn't have so many problems or fears about using technology now. I think that these kids are going to grow up and be very successful. They will have more tools to use than others that are competing for jobs or scholarships in college. Computers and technology are the way of the future and these students are going to be a huge part of it.

As a teacher I think this school would be a great place to work because it seems like the teachers really come alongside each other and help each other out. One of the points made in the article was that is a cooperative environment instead of competitive. That is the way I think teaching should be. It should always be about what's best for the students, not trying to make myself look the best. That should happen naturally if I am doing a good job. Also the way that they ask for parent involvement and feedback is great. Currently I work at a school where there is not a whole lot of parent involvement and having a website and teaching the parents to use this website would be beneficial to both the student and faculty to make sure the student is reaching their maximum potential.