Hebron Dollars & Sense

Now that I've finished with my rant on the other thread , I wanted to ask others' opinions regarding technology in the schools. Vonda Tencza's vision of the perfect elementary school, so she said last night, would include every child being issued their own individual laptop on the first day of school, along with a Kindle. The administrators are right now talking about adding more SMART boards to the classrooms, along with SMART tables in the lower grades, and "clickers" as well. In fact, right now my daughter is in the one second-grade class at GHS that is in possession of these "clickers" (just found this out last night). They are also talking about doing some work on the wireless network for the schools, to the tune of $70 K (I think that was the number I heard). Mentioned putting that into the CIP next year. Apparently wireless coverage is "spotty" right now--teachers have to go down the hall to access email, etc. They are discussing renewal of the computer lease.

Personally, I am uncomfortable with this idea of so much technology at such a young age. I don't want my kids spending all their time on computers. I don't want my kids reading a Kindle. We love books. An electronic screen isn't the same. We love to write. Look what kind of communication texting has encouraged in our society--kids can't even write anymore. It's all about How R U and other ridiculous abbreviations. I don't want my kids believing that the only way to accomplish anything is with the assistance of a gadget. Aren't we disconnected enough in today's society? I guess I feel like early reliance upon electronic gadgets is just going to pull kids away from interacting with other human beings. Not to mention the fact that all of this nifty technology is expensive! Is it really that important for second-graders to be fully immersed in technology?

One more thing to add--at the BOE meeting two weeks ago, there was a presentation of one of these SMART tables. It reminded me of an exhibit at the science museum in Hartford (I think that's where it is). Items appear on the table, and kids can manipulate them through touch--sorting, for example. Vonda kept saying that it was a way to encourage interaction between students. Someone (can't remember who) said something like "I can imagine them playing with this instead of in the block corner," like that was a good thing. That made me really uncomfortable. Is it really a good thing that, instead of communicating, interacting, and cooperating face-to-face, our kids will be interacting through an electronic gadget? Again, to me it felt like a depersonalization tool rather than a means of fostering personal interaction.

This post on a blog made me lol - irony. I share your concern but think it is inevitable that our children live in a technology integrated world. The Bill Gates foundation has provided lap tops to all 7 and 8 grade students in Maine for ~ 9 years. The students of Hebron are lacking in technology. In some places keyboarding skills are introduced in K,1,2. Learning it the right way and not having to unlearn incorrect keyboarding is preferable.

I am excited we might get the teacher/parent portal technology at GHS/HES that RHAM has, but wonder if the administration has the assurance of the teachers union that all teachers will utilize it to the full extent. If we don't have all participants willing to use the technology then it is a waste of money. Times are too tough to waste a cent on the 'nice to have'. If we don't have the teachers union on board I would much rather see the school get more Fast Math access - or something else with a track record!! Thanks for starting the thread and dialogue!

Aren't Smart Tables and smart boards "nice to haves" rather than necessities? And these clickers? Fun, yes. But a necessary teaching tool?

I cannot believe that the state is actually considering REQUIRING schools to give the CMT's via computer in the future. That I find extremely disturbing. Here we are with one of the biggest deficits in the country, and they are considering a move like this. So either the municipalities are going to have to fund the new computers, or the state can step in and provide some funding. Either way it comes out of the pockets of folks who are already hurting.

Correction to my previous post - a foundation associated with Apple provides laptops to Maine 7 and 8 graders not the Bill Gates foundation.

I am with you on the smart tables sounding like 'nice to haves' but am hoping the educators will explain why that is not true. They will explain the function that these technologies provide are important enough to spend our scarce resources on. I would be interested to hear about the clickers too. One of my University students uses them in large lecture classes other than that I am in the dark on what they help achieve. Regarding the CMT - may be a cost savings and am sure the State recognizes the disadvantage Ct students are at if they are not exposed to electronic test taking at an early age. Today the SAT are given via computer along with many other standardized/board certification tests(MD, RN, EMT, GRE...). Some of these tests are only given in an electronic format.

As far as funding goes - the small towns fund the inner city with our Ct State taxes and ECS funding then turn around and have to fund our own small town schools with local taxes. Ct is the only state I have ever lived in where they call your hard earned money a "grant" when they return it. Like it was a gift!!!

EXCELLENT POINTS "Taxpayer" -- if I have figured out "who you are", you are computer literate and a skilled wordsmith. These experiences alone make your statements very valuable and on target!!

The school board web-site is quite an expense for extending applause for the BLUE RIBBON School Award, posting fancy brochures that serve to entertain and not inform and listing the newest slogan "All means All" (whatever that implies).

ALL MEANS ALL Ewe say



"All" Means Ellie, Allabum & The HBOE'$ Ideas Only, NOTHING MORE

Public Input?





Looked Upon With Utter Disdain & Disregard By Ellie & the HBOE


Just wait & $ea, A Little Suprise Might pop Up soon

I'm Curious To Sea How they Pitch It

Early duty Call,GOTTA GO


IT"S SNOWING OUT AGAIN