Beth Duellman

Contemporary Legal Analysis

695 Ethics and Issues in Education
October 2015
Technology use in the classroom is a topic that everyone seems to have an opinion on. It
is discussed in schools, throughout the community, and on the internet. Opinions about its use
vary greatly from one person to the next. Even right here in the Chippewa Valley, school
districts have differing viewpoints on the integration of technology into the elementary
classroom. As Pullen stated in his article, the most notable pros of 1:1 technology integration are
differentiating student instruction, publishing for a real world audience, extending learning
beyond the school day, building tech expertise, and increased student motivation. On the flip
side, Heick shared problems districts may face integrating technology as pace of change
(meaning districts may not be able to afford the cost for replacing outdated technology as quickly
as it changes), different social dynamics, distraction, technology out-thinking the institution, and
learning innovation vs. improved test performance. A districts vision of technology can have
an impact on students as young as elementary school.
In Eau Claire, students in grades 3-5 are 1:1 with iPads. Technology is integrated in the
curriculum. With iPads in the hands of students, they are encouraged to use technology every
day. As stated in the ECASD parent handbook, students are responsible for their actions when
using technology. Violations of the district policies will result in consequences that can include
suspension, expulsion, or non-school consequences if the conduct is unlawful. Students are
expected to use the technology resources to support the educational objectives of the ECASD.

The district believes in the benefits of being 1:1, provides the technology, and expects the
students to utilize it. I see the benefits firsthand in my own classroom. A new 5th grade teacher I
have been coaching through use of technology just told me that student engagement is up, the
students have more choice in their learning, and they are accessing the programs from home.
Without being 1:1, the students would not have those same experiences.
Chippewa Falls, on the other hand, also has a technology plan that is somewhat different
than Eau Claires plan. As noted in the Stillson Elementary Parent Handbook, violations of the
policies may result in loss of access privileges, school disciplinary action, fines or legal
consequences. While the consequences for misusing the technology remains similar, the
integration of technology differs. In Chippewa, parents must give permission for their child to
use the internet at school. Students are not 1:1 in grades 3-5 but the teachers may check out a set
of iPads for students to use. Those iPads are shared between the teachers in the building.
Without providing technology for teachers to use, the district is not encouraging integration
throughout the curriculum. I have talked with teachers in the district at the elementary level and
its a struggle to use the technology regularly with the current system. Additionally, if parents
decide not to sign a permission slip for their child to use the internet, then it would be difficult to
run a technology rich classroom.
While I agree with the consequences for misuse that both schools have, I think being 1:1
in grades 3-5 is the better plan. As a teacher in a 1:1 district, I see the benefits of getting
technology in the hands of the students. I believe technology will continue to be in every aspect
of our lives. School districts should embrace the integration of technology to prepare students
for their future. Unless the technology is readily available to teachers, it will not be embraced
fully.

Technology in our world is constantly improving and is really a part of everything we do.
As we begin to use technology more and more, schools will have to adapt and integrate
technology on a larger scale. I think that someday all schools will be 1:1 in every grade. Rather
than have 5 textbooks, students can have an iPad with textbooks as apps. I look forward to the
future of education in a technology rich world.

Resources
Pullen, Mark. (2012, January 5). Pros and Cons: Is Elementary Too Early For 1:1 Technology?
Retrieved October 28, 2015, from http://gettingsmart.com/2012/01/pros-cons-iselementary-too-early-for-11-technology/
Heick, Terry. (2012, July 31). 5 Problems With Technology In Classrooms. Retrieved October
28, 2015, from http://teachthought.com/learning/5-problems-with-technology-inclassrooms/
Eau Claire Area School Districts Parent Student Handbook. Retrieved October 28, 2015, from
http://www.ecasd.us/ECASD/media/DistrictSite/PDFs/ParentStudentHandbook2015.pdf
Chippewa Falls School District Stillson Elementary Schools Handbook for Parents and
Students. Retrieved on October 28, 2015, from
http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/cms_files/resources/Stillson%20Student.Parent
%20Handbook%202014-15.1.pdf