Technologically advanced public school districts provide laptop computers for all students in an effort to combat the ‘Digital Divide’ that occurs when students do not have access to technological tools in the home. Some of these one-to-one computer initiatives fail because teachers do not adequately prepare to incorporate technology into lesson planning.
Unlimited use of laptops during class allows students to become easily distracted and not pay attention to the lesson. In my classroom, students will only use laptop computers when my lesson plan directly incorporates the use of such technology.
Many educators debate the need to incorporate the teaching of 21st Century Skills into the standard curriculum. 21st Century Learning Skills may or may not be different from learning skills of the past, the process of education must adapt to incorporate technological advances. Rather than using technology as a shortcut or a replacement for learning, modern educators must encourage the use of technology to enhance the teaching-learning process.