Technology in the classroom

educ#109 We were asked to find a blog that talks about using technology in the classroom and write some pros and cons about the blog. I found a blog created by Larry Cuban in which he "studied" a young girl that was given a laptop to use @ home and school and the effects it would have. http://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/shadowing-las-montanas-students-part-2/ In the first class he studies "Diane". The class takes place in the media center so all students have access to a laptop. On many occasions the students become off task and at one point the teacher asks thee diff. students to put their makeup bag away. Students begin to walk around the class, get out of their chairs and pack up early.
    In this case I can see where having access to this tech. can be very distracting to students as it is easy to "hide" behind the laptops cover or start to doze off with the laptops blocking view of the teacher.
The second class where he follows "Diane" laptop use is not allowed and students are asked to take their notebooks out and take notes from the PowerPoint. Students are actively engaged until the bell rings or dismissal.
Pros of having the technology in the classroom based on this blog would be that in some instances , such as when Mr.Meister's room when the students are covering such a diverse topic such as Hitler and the Nazi's having laptops in class would allow for the students to gather more information on the subject rather than having just one source (PP). Although the teachers need to closely monitor students to ensure they stay on task.