Summary: The Jesse Waugh’s Northwestern Toronto High School is GTA public school that experienced two common issues such as computer hardware and software applications with much digital traffic. In 2013, a survey showed three barriers to integrating technology in the classroom, lack of money, lack of up-to-date technology, and lack of professional development. The Ontario government suggested that there should be an investment for new advanced technology for the benefit of the students and teachers. Peter Aguiar, a program coordinator at the Toronto Catholic school board said that, if they could outfit every student with a device is wonderful. However, it is impossible in the public education and they need to decide for the best choices. In addition, Aguiar said that, the biggest or the most powerful actions are no longer necessary to do wonderful things in education. The main focus is to open courses requiring computers and ensure wireless internet access in the school since most students have their own devices or known as “bring your own device” or BYOD. However, schools still provide some equipment for the students who belong to poorer families that cannot afford to buy devices. The four Cs are the 21st century skill-related drive in education, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.
Reaction: I appreciate the courage demonstrated by one if the students in Jesse Waugh’s Northwestern Toronto High School that they have to wait for five minutes to log in to access the computer. How they shared fairly in using the computer for learning and teachers are doing their best to integrate technology in every lesson they discuss in class. It is sad to know that the public schools were given less attention in terms of technology.
Influence: The article is an eye opener for the public to know that public schools really need more attention on technology. The condition experienced by the students and teachers in Jesse Waugh’s Northwestern Toronto High School is not an isolated case. The government and the school administrators should focus on every possible way to provide the best and advance equipment for the students and teachers. They should not rely only on BYOD because poorer students cannot afford to buy devices as their own. The whole world should know that education in every public school need the advance technology and they deserve the most.
Impact on School and Society: The struggle to teach students ’21st century skills’ when classroom technology is not up to speed is really a great challenge for the teachers. Good structure provided to the public leads to good technology. Good resources for the education lead to productivity in teaching and learning. The advance technology has a great impact on education and the students can benefit on the outcome through the passionate educators.
Works Cited
MacDonald, Moira. Struggle to teach students ’21st century skills’ when classroom technology
isn’t up to speed. Toronto, Canada, 7 November 2014. Web. 12 November 2014.
