Journal #6 "Student Voices for Change" (NETS-T 1,3,5)

Miller, S.M. (2011). Student voices for change. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx
     Van Meter Community School in Iowa has started what seems to be the technology revolution of education. This school has recently implemented on-to-one use of laptops in grades 6-12, and the results have been incredible. Because of the success this new system is having, students of Van Meter have been asked to hold presentations of their works and describe their new outlook on education. These students are not only becoming technology savvy, but they are learning how to use various tools to enhance their learning experience in the school. They are excited about learning and  are confident of their work because they know what they are doing is a first for education everywhere. The students of Van Meter understand the importance of integrating technology into the classroom and they themselves serve as examples of a successful transition of technological immersion. This article illustrates how technology has played a key roll in upgrading the way students learn. It demonstrates how students have taken the tools given to them, used them, and benefited from them to the fullest. It is a step that most schools have not taken, but perhaps Van Meter will serve as a stepping stool for schools to embrace and implement technology into their curriculum.
  
     Question #1: Is Van Meter Community School's results attainable at other schools?
Yes. While this school provided laptops to each individual student, the main change that took place was not the tool, but the resources available through such a tool. Schools on one level or another have access to computers, meaning the tools available via the internet are available to be taught, as long as a teacher is willing to learn how to use such tool in the first place. While success may not be attained at the same speed of Van Meter's, a step towards it is possible.

     Question #2: How do students' voices make a change?
If students are allowed to be an active part of the system that is teaching them, they in turn become more interested in what is being taught to them. By allowing students to share their interests and incorporate them with their education, an education system then has endless points of improvements making for a better functioning educational experience overall.