10-19-06 “Public School Teachers Using Machines in the Next Decade�
No technology is accessible in every single classroom. However, cooperating world, we cannot live without technology these days. If you go to stores, they cannot function stores without computers, if you go to a restaurant, you will realize waitresses and waiters use computers for entering orders and checking out, when you buy anything, computers are involved somehow. If you go to a bank, all systems are computerized, if you see a lawyer, dentist, doctor, psychiatrist, whoever you name it, they all use computers and their computers are right there, but not for the teachers. In my case, I teach at three different schools, so it is much easier for me to carry my own laptop and do attendance and grading with my computer whenever I have a chance to use it. But my school told me that I cannot bring my own computer to school because they cannot be responsible for personal use computer. (then, register my computer!!) It takes time to sign up for using projector and computer center because Japanese is considered “less technology important class.�
School districts are always carrying tons of issues and problems, and usually teachers’ problems are discussed last or never. Administrators listen to parents and students, but not teachers because we are not tax payers. I hope “the latest likely scenario� can come true sooner, but it will take another decade to make it happen for all the district and schools in the United States. Comparing to the U.S.A, Japan is much behind on technology use in public schools. It is wonderful that at least, the US educators are much more aware of importance of using technology in schools.