Philip, R. (2007). The brain during adolescence: Making sense of technology, media, social status, and education. In Engaging ‘tweens and teens: A brain-compatible approach to reaching middle and high school students (pp. 63-90). California: Corwin Press

“Adolescents are growing up in an age of cheap mobile phones and fast Internet connections–the gadgetry found in the bedrooms of many teenagers would impress the most ardent techie. Video-supported cell phones, iPods, digital cameras, and handheld organizers are “must-have” tools for the savvy sixteen-year-old.”

This may seem like an odd passage to choose since it is sounds very dated, but thats precisely why I selected it.

Using technology in classrooms is a good way to engage students, but there are several factors that must be considered. Technology is changing and (mostly) improving at an unprecedented rate. This article was published 8 years ago in 2007 and all of the ‘gadgets’ listed are either obsolete or unrecognizably changed and many new ones could be added. For comparison think about 1947 vs. 1955. Using technology in class requires a constant race to keep up.

To me, this brings up the issue of equality. If a school is to use technology in the classroom, they have to provide that technology. Funds vary across schools and districts. We live in a country that has a wide variety of economies. An expense that may be affordable in one region, may be unthinkable in another. I do think that schools should do their best to provide the resources for teachers to teach using technology, but I also think that alternatives should be considered. It is undeniable that access to technology has changed the way adolescents think, so it is also necessary to change the way we teach. I think that would should look at possible low-tech options and solutions to these high-tech changes.