Use of Technology in Schools . . . the Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

As our young people sometimes (or most of the time!!) seem to be becoming more technologically savvy than the adults that care for and teach them, it is becoming a major concern for educators as well as parents to have them use these tools in a responsible manner.  The worries are more that students need to know that there are pros and cons to consider in their use of the technology that is so widely available to them in today's technology driven world.  There is never going to be a perfect system, but it is important that students begin to realize that their virtual world can have major impacts upon their lives both now and in the future. 

There are so many articles that look at the various sides of the argument and while there are many good points to consider, it is not something that is going to be solved overnight ... but it makes for interesting reading!  Here are just a few: 
Teacher's Outlook on Smartphone Use
http://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/students-teacher-say-pros-of-smartphone-use-outweight-cons/article_e5a8151a-dfc7-59d2-824e-e92d58a951b5.html

Students Wish to Use Smartphones, iPads, etc. - But Does This Discriminate Against Students Without Them?
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/03/students-demand-the-right-to-use-technology-in-schools/

Some Educators Don't Feel It Is Their Responsibility to Teach Technology
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2009/10/21/but-i-do-not-want-to-teach-my-students-how-to-use-technology.aspx

Why Use Technology in the Classroom?

http://www.ehow.com/about_5484086_use-technology-classroom.html

Courtesy of Paul Sila - http://gatorball.wordpress.com