Laptops and Learning
Recent story in the NY Times suggests that laptops and/or technology might not be the cure all for the ills in our public education system.
The idea behind the laptops was to empower students with technology and provide students with the tools to compete in a competitive world. The students might be using the laptops for other means such as playing video games yet that action does prove they are learning.
Today's teachers are woefully under trained and ill prepared to teach today's students who are constantly on and need immediate stimulation. I have always used technology to enhance the classroom experience not return the classroom to a pencil and paper world that only does a disservice to our students.
The idea behind the laptops was to empower students with technology and provide students with the tools to compete in a competitive world. The students might be using the laptops for other means such as playing video games yet that action does prove they are learning.
Today's teachers are woefully under trained and ill prepared to teach today's students who are constantly on and need immediate stimulation. I have always used technology to enhance the classroom experience not return the classroom to a pencil and paper world that only does a disservice to our students.
Borrowing from the Field Artillery motto, Mr. Payan worked with the three of us (me, Mr. Desktop and Ms. Laptop) to lend grace and dignity to what had become a loud and vulgar display. I had compatibility and format issues, etc. Felipe analyzed my dreadful situation. He then performed some software magic and made sound recommendations on a couple of light-duty hardware upgrades. As soon as I can sell a few more aluminum cans, I'll get the new "G" router and more RAM for the laptop. Ah, technology!
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Felipe was an awesome guy. I feel way more informed about set-up, programs, and practical info. For two hours, he patiently answered my questions and walked me through various tasks. He would assess my learning by asking "prompting" cues. This was an effective technique, indeed.
I'm excited about my laptop and we do need to get rid of the dinosaur. Sooner or later. I take his recommendations seriously so I'll visit the Dell website in Sept.
Felipe is now my "go to tech guy" and I'm confident he'll be as professional six months from now as he was today.
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Stephanie Hunter, Local District 1
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I have been very pleased with the constant attention given to us by Felipe Payan. He has lent his considerable expertise and notable acumen to our most complex and time-consuming technology problems. Considering the high demands on his time, I am constantly impressed by the way he makes himself available to assist whenever we have software or hardware issues. Felipe's knowledge is considerable, his professionalism is exemplary, and his thoughtful guidance is the essence of solid customer support.
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I appreciate the time Mr.Payan spent on checking my laptop system for needed updates,proper hook-up and protection programs. Thank you.
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