In 2009, our middle school will be completely renovated.  They are tearing it down and re-modeling it.  We will have new heating systems, new lighting, an upgraded cafeteria, the office will have new  surveliance technology and a new security system, brand new flooring, bigger more spacious classrooms, a whole new wing for the 8th graders will be added.  Everything!  Everything that is except for new computer labs!  We currently have one computer lab with brand new Dell computers.  Don’t get me wrong, the lab is state of the art!  The problem is you have to reserve a spot a month in advance if you want to get in.  And if you don’t finish in the time frame you reserved for, oh well!  Better luck next month. 

My point is, I don’t think the powers that be really want us in the computer lab.  If they did, we would have one for every grade level.  Now, if technology was MSA tested, you better believe we would have readily available access to the lab or multiple labs.  Our school’s main focus is Language Arts and Math.  If you’re not learning how to write an effective BCR or hitting every single one of those curriculum indicators, then we can’t worry about you.  The politics of the whole situation is extremenly evident when meeting after meeting all we ever discuss is how to get those kids achieving at a higher level.  Hello, having  access to computers is extremely motivated and students can learn the same skills using technology.

Students can hone in on their writing skills by creating classroom Blogs or Podcasts after the writing process.  Math teachers can have their students create a Wiki page to share mathematical concepts.  Social studies teachers can use Photostory or Movie Maker to create a newsbroadcast of what they learned about Africa.  The possibilities are endless. 

Unfortunately, the students at our school might never be introduced to any of these wonderful programs.