Initial+Proposal

Now, as a high school student, I use technology constantly throughout the average school day. However, when I was in elementary school, playing computer games was a rare treat often used as an incentive to finish work. I want to explore how technology has changed educational values because I’m curious to know how teachers have had to adapt.

My driving question, therefore, is “How has technology changed educational values and teaching techniques since the beginning of the new millennium?” I want to start out by researching the effect computers have had on classrooms, and then learn more about other types of technology that have emerged in recent years (i.e. Smart Boards, video cameras, etc.). I also want to get the opinions on teachers at our school to get a more personal opinion on the matter at hand. After I do my research, I intend on building an interactive website to accommodate the current educational processes we use in our school.

The most important sources I intend on using for this project will probably be first hand interviews because I want to interview teachers of all different ages to see how their views on technology differ. I have some teachers who completely embrace the new technology implemented in our school, while others disregard it or use it with disdain. Otherwise, I want to use a wide variety of online and print sources to see how other institutions have approached this situation.

I want to use my time wisely throughout the duration of the semester, so I am not rushing at last minute to get everything finished. So, I intend on gathering my research first in order to gain more knowledge about my subject. After I have background knowledge, I will begin to design my website on paper, figuring out the fine details. Next, I'll begin writing my paper, learning more about the subject as I go along. While I work on my paper, I will begin building my website, probably taking it a few steps at a time, as to ensure its aesthetic success. Finally, I will prepare for my presentation by creating a powerpoint with the knowledge I obtained. Throughout the semester, I will go to my mentor, my mom, when I am overwhelmed and need assurance. She will be my best source of encouragement.

I think I am capable of researching this project in a short amount of time but the website might cause me some issues because I’m not entirely sure what direction I want to go in yet. However, after I finish writing my paper, I should have a clear opinion on technology in schools, so I should be able to overcome any obstacles I face during the creation of my website.