Changes in Education

Computer Club Looks at Changes in Education

By Jim Bradley

   This article points out what may well be the changes coming in America’s educational system. Three factors led to addressing this subject.

   The first was a small book written by the club’s president, Leonard Krauss, who argues convincingly that computers should be an essential part of almost every classroom.

   Krauss explains how students can select different paths to pursue depending on their interests and how this can be done while all are taking the same class.  Krauss’ ideas are interesting and carefully presented. Those interested could speak with Krauss.

   The second was an article written in May of this year by Larry Magid and published in the Contra Costa Times. The title is “It’s Time for Technology to Move to the Head of the Class” and the first question asked was “who might disrupt education just as technology has changed other industries such as the music and newspaper businesses”?

   Having acquired three university degrees, including a doctorate in education, Magid earns the attention of those interested in education at any level.

The point made is for schools to utilize computers intelligently by letting students learn beyond what is offered in the classrooms.

   An example is www.kahnacademy.com. Look at this site to read how it is now possible for anyone with an Internet connection to receive an education free of charge. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has supported this non-profit program.

   At the university level Magid mentions that Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Yale, to just name a few, offer free courses online, as well. 

   Look at www.learningjar.com, too. This is a site that permits anyone to validate and store what a person has learned whether it be online or from an offline experience.

   The third factor was Tom Barnidge’s column in the October 15 issue of the same paper. The title was “New Model for Learning Puts Kids on Right Path”.  It describes in some detail what has been done for five years in the Antioch Unified School District.

   The purpose in Antioch is to have students select those programs that meet their interests. Pathway academies are set up for what appear to be three high schools in the district with each school concentrating on several specific pathways.

   For example, Antioch High offers pathways in engineering; leadership and public service; media and technology; and environmental studies. The other two schools offer performing arts; law and justice; business technology; and the medical field. About 50% of the students choose these pathways with the other students taking the high school’s traditional curriculum.

   Community input is substantial, too. Barnidge explains as follows: “Engineering students have worked with Caltrans officials to build scale model bridges”. “Law and justice students listened to attorneys explain legal briefs on pending cases and then watched judges hear arguments”. “Medical students are ‘assigned’ diseases and required to prescribe treatments”.

   The column paints a bright future for high school students. It offers them the opportunity to plan for their future by giving them experience in matters that interest them.

   It’s the club’s belief that changes in education are essential and whatever transformations evolve will most certainly include computers.

Tip of the Week

  Currently the club’s free house call team is temporarily inactive. Why? It needs more volunteers interested in helping others correct software problems.  Those interested can drop by the Computer Center at Gateway and leave a name and number. Bill Hammond will call.

 

What are your views on computers in education?  Please follow the directions to the right of the screen and COMMENT your opinion.