Chapter 8: How school's can cope with the New Technology

The chapter discusses three main ways schools can cope with the New Technology to improve the Education system.  The first idea the book presents is performance based assessment.  Students could be tested on the skills that they possess and not based on if they can pass a standardized test.  The book explains how schools can use this as a credential system for students to gain skills as a gateway into different professional programs.  For example if a student wanted to be a doctor they would have to earn different credentials in high school than a student would want to go into a Music Field. When I was in High School I was never a fan of Standardized testing.  Like many other students, I hated taking the ACT and wished there was a different way to get into college.  This might be one way for students to accomplish the admission into college.  When I read this goal, I was a little weary on if this would work.  My main concern (which I have expressed before) is if a student changes their mind later on in life and are unable to accomplish their dreams because of their age and lack of training.  What if a student dreams of being a famous musician growing up and gets all the credentials to go to an elite Musical College.  However 10 years down the road that same student changes their mind and goes back to college competing with students who are 10 years younger than he/she.  I feel that it is sometimes better to at least open the students mind to alternative ideas and have back up plans in case the student changes their mind later on in life.     

The next idea the chapter presents is New Curriculum designs.  This would be a great option for students who maybe go to a lower income school or a school that offers few classes.  Students would be able to take classes online at a different school and earn credits to graduated at their own school.  This option is great because it tailors to students individual interests.  If a student wants to take an AP class, however attends a school that doesn't offer the program, the student isn't out of luck.  The student is able to take a vast amount of classes without having to attend a school that offers them all.  I feel that this is a great idea, however would be even better if the student had a teacher as a mentor making sure the student stayed on track.  I have taken many online classes and its always better when you have an actual human caring about your progress instead of relying on the input of your computer. 

Lastly the Chapter mentions the Idea of New Approaches to Equality in the digital world. Today schools arn't equal on terms of funding across the country.  Some schools, because they have high test scores, can offer a large amount of classes with a large scale of tools.  With technology students can have an equal shot at receiving an education.  It doesn't matter any more if you were born in a poor area, it matters what opportunities are presented to you and how many you take advantage of.  With the New age of Technology, these student are able to learn the same classes as schools who are receiving large amounts of funding.  Technology just helps even the playing field a little more.