Journal #5

Christensen, C.M., & Horn, M.B. (2008). Disrupting Class: Student-Centric Education Is the Future. Edutopia, Retrieved September 20, 2008, from http://www.edutopia.org/student-centric-education-technology.

This article begins with painting a clear picture of what a future classroom may look like. It has all students on a computer learning the same thing, but in ways that are best suited for them. The article then gives information on how to begin to transform our technology stagnant classrooms. The article suggests a way to do this by engaging the non-consumers through a disruptive-innovation theory approach. This includes ways that are already largely in affect like online schools and classes. This article states that it is not only more affective to teach using technology, but it is also cheaper to educate the students.

Question 1: How will this classroom of the future impact the health of our students?
Answer 1: Sitting in front of a computer screen at school all day and then going home and doing the same thing will no doubt have a very detrimental affect on our students’ health. Staring at a computer screen all day is not only hard on students’ developing eyesight and brain, but also on their entire developing bodies. Our country is already obese and addicted to screen activities like computers, video games and television that the last place it needs to take over is school.

Question 2: How can teachers and schools better incorporate technology without having a completely technology based program?
Answer 2: Teachers and schools can definitely use technology in more affective ways then they are currently without having to undergo a major transformation. Schools should make sure that they are encouraging and educating their teachers so that they will incorporate more technological based lesson plans in the school year. Many teachers, especially older teachers, are not educated on current technology and therefore are unable to include technology in to their lesson plans.