Can Technology Render Textbooks Useless?

My topic of discussion relates to how technology is affecting the classroom, our work, and society as a whole. As this is my first teaching job, I can only assume that my classroom is technologically typical. I teach at an elementary school with students ranging from pre-k through fifth grade. My twenty-three students and I claim home to a portable classroom. Though we are located outside of our main building, my class has the same technology available as classrooms inside. I have access to wireless internet service. I have three student computers assigned. One is functional on a regular basis, one is never functional and one may or may not be. We do not know for sure until we power it up. The only guaranteed way to make the third computer work is to have the information technology specialist come and check it. It always works then.


I am under the impression that some of us expect too much from technology. I recently read an article titled “Technology-Rich Classrooms Render Textbooks Useless” (Associated Press, 2008). I currently use modern technology to increase efficiency (Thornburg, 2004). I access my district’s curriculum and resources. I have an online grade book. I use current software to create documents and store data. I use web resources to find leveled readers, film clips, slide shows and lesson ideas. My students utilize educational web pages to reinforce skills previously taught. We use tools such as Google Earth to enhance student engagement and gain access to information. Technology can engage students, allowing them to pursue answers to questions relevant to their lives. I have yet to experience anything that would lead me to believe textbooks can be rendered useless however.

I understand that newer versions of textbooks may be available online. I also understand that homework may be assigned from online resources. The educators that rely on the internet are not taking into account student needs from lower socio-economic groups. Almost half of my students do not have a computer or internet access at home. Printing out stacks of selections is not a workable alternative either. In addition to the additional cost of wear and tear on school equipment, we must figure in the huge amount of paper and ink supply required to support a growing student population. I suggest technology is a tool to enhance classrooms, not replace textbooks.

I would like to know how others feel about this topic. Please feel free to post your thoughts or comments on the subject.

References:
Associated Press. (2008, May 9). Technology rich classrooms render textbooks useless. Teacher Magazine.

Thornburg, D. (2004). Technology and education: Expectations, not options. (Executive Briefing No. 401). Retrieved from http://www.tcpdpodcast.org/briefings/expectations.pdf