I was fascinated to research how central technology has become to a child’s education for the first piece I wrote for Mashable: http://mashable.com/2012/08/12/tech-in-the-classroom/
It’s amazing the way new computer programs can engage students, especially in the areas of math and science, where the U.S. clearly lags behind other countries. And it provides students in rural areas, or those with limited resources, the chance to take classes online, gaining expertise they otherwise would not have. Digital learning has become central to classrooms in a remarkably short period of time. Still,while speaking with numerous technology experts, I learned while technology offers opportunities for many, it has furthered the divide between the haves and have nots. Many districts, including poor urban cities as well as Native American reservations, lack sufficient internet access; many schools don’t have the funds to train teachers in how to use the technology appropriately, so it’s most effective. This is an issue that I hope to explore in a future article. Stay tuned!
Julie Halpert 
One reply on “Does Technology Give Students an Edge?”
I find it generally leaves them dumber. They seem to know less and can’t seem to “figure it out” when they come in contact with a different situation. In other words, their IQs seem to be coming down. Sure they can thumb IDK in a blink but they cannot articulate a properly complete sentence or paragraph to save their lives. I have to “bullet” anything they’re destined to read or they cannot comprehend it. They assume there’s no need to memorize ’cause they can always Google it, and why bother to learn how to think, they’ll just ask Siri. What a narrow knowledge range the kids have now. It’s really scary to look forward and see that these little pinheads will be in charge in a few short decades.