Meadows will soon equip Conner, a 2nd grade teacher appointed last fall as the technology projects coordinator. But it's symbolic of a problem that could wreak havoc with the nation's big plans to put technology to work in schools. States and local districts like Tupelo are spending millions of dollars to install computers in classrooms, yet their plans often overlook teachers, many of whom don't know how to turn the machines on, much less deploy them effectively in instruction. Indeed, when one of Conner's first trainees was told to click on an icon, she picked up the computer mouse and held it up to the screen. The task Tupelo faces is a familiar one for districts nationwide.
Many teachers are scared by high-tech gadgetry and cling to traditional teaching methods.
Others simply use it as an add-on, a reward for students who do well. Tupelo officials know they will have to persuade many teachers to accept computers, CD-ROMs, and other new learning tools. And that, they realize, is a lot tougher than plugging in a few new machines. In many ways, Tupelo is primed to jump into the vanguard of technology-using districts. Parent organizations are supplementing district spending on technology, buying televisions, computers, and other electronic essentials.