John Murray has the final word!!! TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

In today’s society, it’s hard to find a place where technology isn’t present, including the classroom.  From SMART Boards to personal laptops, students have an ever abundant supply of electronics at their fingertips.   But how much is too much? 

High schools and even some middle schools in certain districts have begun to hand out personal laptops for every child, and some districts have even begun giving  i-Pads/i-Pod Touches to every student.  While I agree that technology has huge advantages in the classroom, I think schools are getting a bit carried away. This technology can give immense support fto the teacher, especially in the math/science department, but it may also create an overwhelming number of distractions.   So my question is, where do we draw the line for technology?  Do we allow every student to have access to electronic aids, or do we make those electronic aids a special privilege that is only used once in a blue moon?   Or.....................should we stay away from technology altogether and get back to our roots?  Let's hear from you.  

Katie wants to know if holiday school schedules are driving you crazy?

What is your school’s policy with regard to the celebration of holidays?  I thought of this as I was making all of the schedule changes that I have during this season of Christmas.    These schedule changes are due to the practices required for the Christmas Show that is being held in the school in which I teach.   I wondered if you had to change your schedules at this time of the year for this same reason?  I was also curious as to what the state law was with regard to the celebration of holidays in schools and I did some research on my own.   I found the following from the Cranford, New Jersey policy handbook:  

The Cranford Public Schools will promote meaningful multicultural learning experiences for all students. This includes teaching about various cultures and religious holidays but not celebrating them.

Holidays and special events may be recognized in the district's schools so long as such recognition respects the rights of others and is consistent with law.

 I also found the link for the list of all religious holidays that are recognized by the state.   This list represents the days on which students of various religions are permitted to have an excused absence.  I was wondering what the rulings, celebrations, etc. are for the various school districts in which you are teaching.   Please share your holiday teaching experiences with us.  

The list of religious holidays recognized in the state of New Jersey can be found at this site:  http://www.state.nj.us/education/genfo/holidays1112.htm