Article #7: Unplugged -- Cable-Free Connections

Summary:

Russell Fortmeyer starts his article off with the positive use of a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) inside a classroom which is typical for 3rd graders. What he found through Robert Bogan, a consultant with Technology Plus, in Aurora, Colorado, installation becomes a huge problem in schools when re-wiring or upgrading internet cables. Many schools have thick walls that make it impossible to for installers to keep wires hidden inside these problematic walls. Many (old) schools have accepted the aesthetic predicament by simply allowing the cables to be physically exposed. Although this is a huge obstacle, what is most important is the accessability that students are able and should receive for their learning. As we live in today’s technological world, that access is seen through many items such as the PDA mentioned above, smart phones, and Blackboard. Russell explains the advantage between each one and the positive uses he has observed inside classrooms. He has also briefly explained the use of laptops that students utilize both at home and school. Technology is moving forward and the constant adjustment inside the schools is an ongoing process to help students easily have access to their educational needs and learning.

My Opinion:

The article seemed a little confusing at first, as I made the assumption that the author spoke mostly about the difficulties of wiring cables. To me, it seems more like an article for IT personnel. However, after reading the entire article, I did find that halfway through, he gave brief explanations of different technological tools that are being used inside the classrooms. This article, in my opinion, will not serve as a great resource when researching advantage and/or disadvantages on technology in a classroom. On the plus side, I did find a very familiar reading in this article: Blackboard. Being a WWU student, this is what we use a lot to keep track of our progress in school, as well as other useful information such as financial aid, class schedule, etc. This article should be approached very carefully as it does not provide complete information on what educators need to know in our world of technology.


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Fortmeyer, Russell (2/2/07).  Education, Unplugged: Schools Make Cable-Free Connections. Edutopia.  Article retrieved from: http://www.edutopia.org/school-wireless-devices-networks