What Kinds of Questions to Ask about Technology at School

One of the issues of being a parent in the Age of Technology is knowing what kind questions to ask at the annual fall "Parents Night." No longer is it enough just to know what the school or classroom policies on dress, lunch, attendance and late homework are, but a whole new raft of issues are raising their heads now that technology is becoming part of the home-school connection. I can't help you with all the answers, because so many of them are dependent on the school district, school and individual teachers. But I can help you at least think about formulating some of the questions that you may find you will need answers to this school year.

Before I go any further, though, let's clear up one issue that always seems to emerge at this time of the year - Macintosh computers versus PCs that run Windows software. There are NO serious differences! I emphasize this point for a reason. For example, if you have a Compaq or Dell computer at home, it is no big deal that your kids are using Macintoshes at school. Software programs and Internet sites work exactly the same on both kinds of machines and the vast majority of kids have no problems moving from one kind of machine to an another. Techies and consumers get a notion that one particular machine (and only one machine) is the right tool. The truth is that both kinds of machines can (and do) exist side-by-side, share files, and in some cases perform specific tasks better than the other platform. For example, files created in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can be read on both Macintosh and PC machines. Your child's only issue with difference in platforms comes when they take disks from home and try to run them at school or vice versa and if that is going to be an issue in your case, ask that question up front. For the sake of space, I've divided the kind of questions you need to ask up into five categories.

Equipment Questions:
What platform (PC or Macintosh) does the school use? Generally, what models are installed in the school? How old is the equipment? What are the district/school plans to cycle in the newer technologies? Are the computers networked together? (In other words are they all connected so they can communicate with each other?) What about physical set-up of the computer stations? Is your school still using folding tables and chairs? (Schools need to be mindful of the recent studies showing that having the right furniture set up is important for maintaining kid's posture and preventing other stress related injuries.) Are color printers available? Are they used for student work? (When kids are first exposed to reading and writing, they learn through color, sound, and graphics. They also expect to see what is on the screen come out on the paper.)

Software
Ask for a list of titles of the software tools that students use regularly (word processing, spreadsheet, KidPix, AppleWorks, etc.). Ask also which of these programs the teacher would recommend for home use. What versions of the software (especially word processing) are loaded onto the computers? Newer versions can usually older versions of files, but older programs sometimes cannot run a newer file. For example, if you have the latest and greatest word processor loaded on your home computer and your child does all of his/her work at home, it may not run under the older version of the SAME program back at the school. Especially in the lower grades, ask for a list of the instructional programs, divided up into subject areas that are used in the classroom. Ask also which of these programs the teacher would recommend for home use. Request to be kept up on new products, what the kids like to use, or suggestions for remedial products.

Internet
Are the computers connected to the Internet? If not, are there plans to do so? Is there an "Acceptable Use Policy" in place at your school? (Also called an AUP, this is a written agreement between the school and the child (agreed to by the parents) about proper use of the Internet and the consequences for not doing so.) Is the AUP used? How is it enforced? How is the Internet used in instruction? Are the children monitored when they use the Internet? What safety rules are followed? Will the teacher discuss the problem of misinformation on the Web?

Safety
Are the computers in a safe environment? (Generally, schools are not allowed to have wires, plugs, or electrical work on floors or accessible to children. Extension cords are a no-no in a school).

Homework and The Computer
What are the class rules about what kinds of homework can be done on the computer? Can everything be done on the computer or only special assignments/projects? Will the kids be informed on a project to project basis? Is the Internet always allowable as a resource or it sometimes restricted? Why? Will kids be instructed how to cite Internet resources? Is there access before, during and after school for kids who don't have computers? What are the basic recommended computer software tools (wordprocessor, math programs, encyclopedia, etc.)?

Related Material
Article by Dr. Tim Murphy, Head of Instructional Technology at the University of St. Thomas.