Blackboards and chalk, or laptops and U.S.B. drives?

Technology is now being integrated in our school systems, and whether that is a good or bad thing is up for grabs. On one side you have Ohmann who thinks that this new way of teaching is a quick rich scam utilized by the government and schools. And Shaffer who feels the use of technology can help generate a good new way of learning. "…Towards a new model of learning through meaningful activity in virtual worlds as preparation for meaningful activity in our postindustrial, technology-rich, real world" (11.) Let’s look at one side of the issue here.
Ohmann sees technology as a means for the government and schools to make a person pay more money for something that really isn’t all that necessary. It’s bad enough that the more money you pay for school the better the degree, what does that show about the way government runs things, money is everything, is the underline story here. Don’t get Ohmann wrong here, technology is a good tool for people to use, and when used correctly it does have it’s great benefits, but when it comes down to it, that cost of all this new and “great” technology isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. "Technological determinism will serve us no better than e-phoria (a new word, meaning the giddy perception of technology as a genie that can bless all our desires” (5.) Ohmann presents a strong argument here, but lets further explore how Shaffer feels.
Contrary to how Ohmann views technology Shaffer sees technology, specifically video games as the new innovative way for students to learn in the classroom. He sees video games as a good way for students to learn about jobs in society and really get to know what it is that they say they want to be one day. He points out that certain games help kids work towards a goal and teach skills needed in the real world. And stresses that writing on the blackboard and taking notes by hand is a thing of the past, and the use of laptops and learning about issues can be taught through games. He feels strongly about the use of video games as a good learning tool, but at the same time he realizes that not all games benefit a child. There are games out there that teach violence and don’t help academically at all, and it’s up to each individual to decide which way is best.
My point here-that technology is a new and useful tool to be used in the classroom-should interest those who think old methods of teaching are better than the current ways. Beyond this limited audience, however, my point should speak to anyone who care about the larger issue of trying to get through to students who don’t always take so easily to taking notes and listening to lectures. A teacher is someone who reaches out to students and helps them understand material, and if the old ways aren’t working they should consider new innovative technology tools.

Over all, I didn’t even have a title, so that was an issue from the get-go. I added one which I thought was appropriate and liked the way it came out. in searching for the uses of metacommentary within this short essay, I was glad to see that it wasn’t hard to pick them out. I found a few that I had written already and of course went back and added a sentence or two to make it more clear what I was trying to get across.