Lucy Gray posted this Catalyst article discussing how CPS is behind the technology curve.
The article discusses the plethora of high level advantages technology confers on schools. For instance, for kids with behavior issues, OR students in special education programs, technology can level the playing field. Moreover, as immersion in technology is a defining characteristic of this generation of school age children, using technology as a teaching tool has the potential to be much more engaging than straight lecture. Additionally, technology like blogs and wikis can boost student confidence by empowering them to create content for a broad audience. Experts agree social media can help "bridge cultural, economic and even geographic gaps to aid learning."
However, CPS seems to be behind in realizing these advantages. Sites like YouTube are banned by a network filter in the Chicago Public Schools. (Charters in the city are not subject to the same filter and therefore typically allow access to such sites as YouTube.) Unlike other cities across the country, CPS has no integrated technology vision. To the extent that CPS has a technology plan, it is only used for applying for State funding. It is disjointed and not implemented throughout the district. Finally, more than just having access to the technology, successful implementation also requires teacher training / professional development to explain best ways to implement it. In particular, CPS is short on technology specialists in its schools.
But there are signs for hope. The district is modeling other metropolitan technology initiatives (as part of its fight for state funding), and a new iPad program is enjoying wider implementation. Hopefully, CPS will be able to close the technology gap quickly, allowing it to best serve its students.
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