This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I am a fifth grade teacher who is fortunate to have a one-to-one classroom where every student has the use of his or her own laptop.
Technology is a wonderful way to engage students and familiarize them with tools they will use in their future endeavors. I have incorporated these devices into my everyday teaching, and the advantages of having them are too numerous to list.
That said, I would trade them in a heartbeat for a smaller class and/or more trained aides and teachers.
One of the many things that the Legislature is considering is purchasing technology devices for Utah students. Technology is great, but there are more critical needs that must be met first. While I can't imagine teaching without these devices now, my students do not score significantly better or worse than my teammates in my school. I know this is because of the quality and dedication of the other teachers in my grade and school.
Technology is not a panacea. Without talented and committed teachers, no amount of technology will bring our education system up to where it needs to be. The Legislature should invest in teachers first. Only then should money go to technology.
Mark A. Besendorfer
Midvale