Discussion 2.

2: Reforming Schools Through New Technology

In the introduction to Oversold and Underused, Cuban cites four pillars which President Clinton had challenged the
nation to achieve in 1996:

1. Modern computers and learning devices will be accessible to every student.

2. Classrooms will be connect to one another and to the outside world.
3. Educational software will be an integral part of the curriculum--and as engaging as the best video game.
4. Teachers will be ready to use and teach with technology. (p. 16)
According to Cuban, "Pillars 1 and 2 provide access to electronic equipment and networks; policymakers assume
that after access is provided, Pillars 3 and 4 will follow as the night follows the day" (p. 16).

Do you think that the assumption that Cuban has identified is true?
I feel that Cubans assumption is not entirely true when it is broken down. Since 1996
many schools have been provided access to electronic equipment. While modern
computers and learning devices are accessible to students in most schools, they are
still not accessible to students in every school. There are several schools remaining that
do not have the funds to provide this type of access. Another problem is that in order to
meet the goal of pillar 2, schools have to have access to electronic equipment and
networks. Therefore, the schools who still have not met the goal of pillar 1, they are also
not meeting the goal of pillar 2. I do agree that once pillars 1 and 2 are met, there is
potential for pillars 3 and 4 to follow as the night follows the day. I do not think that
pillars 3 and 4 are going to follow as frequent, effective, and easily as assumed. I have
seen many schools who have completed the goals set in pillars 1 and 2, but there is one
trending issue that still remains prevalent in the completion of pillars 3 and 4. One of the
biggest issues in regards to technology and curriculum is that teachers are not
knowledgeable in the technologies and/or resisting current technologies and trainings.
As the old saying goesYou can lead a horse to water, but you cant make them
drink. I feel that this trending issue is creating the computer labs that are collecting
dust, along with the many other technologies.
The Purpose Statement I have drafted most definitely addresses at least one of the
pillars above. The main purpose of requesting access to modern computers and
learning devices is to accommodate and enhance the mandatory curriculum
requirements for our school. All of our teachers have assisted the curriculum
director/coordinator in preparing the lessons to integrate different technologies. Once
we have access to electronic equipment and networks, we will then be able to engage
and enhance the knowledge of our students using our curriculum, the way it should be
used. The main obstacle/challenge that I think I will have to address is how our teachers
will be trained on the use of the equipment requested. I will have to come up with a fool
proof way to ensure that our staff is prepared to properly use the equipment that is
convincing.