Need for Change

Here is where I go back, reflect, and comment on others blogs in the class. I remembered this one from Steve, “We Need a Revolution”. I found it interesting to say the least. I have an 11-year-old daughter. She tells me the way they are using technology in their classrooms. I find it hardly worthwhile for the school systems to spend money on computers that are only being used as a word processor. She has told me that unless a teacher is present that the entire internet is basically blocked. I am not referring to a teacher in the room; the teacher has to be physically watching what the child is viewing.
I realize this is only middle school, but why should they be this limited? I am sure the answer is comments by parents or worries of something a child might see. I think before the schools can move forward with technology parents need to get a grip that sometimes things are going to pop up on a computer that may be inappropriate. This is not to say that the schools are not responsible to try their best to block porn or other adult sites, but how are children going to learn technology if they are not allowed to use it.
As Steve stated the old systems need to be completely changed. The first thing we need to do is get parents and education on the same level. If this means signing a waiver for their child to be on the internet at school, then it needs to take place. School systems cannot be in constant fear of being sued over what might happen if technology in the classroom is to move forward.