Journal #4

Basham, J. D., Perry, E., & Meyer, H. (2011). It's in the bag. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(2), 24-27. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx T

he article, “It’s in the Bag” introduces us to the Digital Backpack, a backpack full of different forms of technology like a laptop, a tablet, etc. for the use of students. The digital backpack is beneficial for students because it includes lesson plans and activities pertaining to class provided for by the teachers. With this technology, teachers can change and modify lessons based on their students needs by just the click of a button. The idea of a “digital backpack” to me seems a bit skeptical. The article included no information as to how schools will receive funding for such a thing. Just one bag would surpass over a thousand dollars! And that is only for ONE student! And what happens when a student damages the products included in the digital backpack? The article included no information pertaining to that either… Do their parents pay for it? Do the taxpayers pay for it?

Q. Have there been any studies with students using the “digital backpack?”
A. Yes, students used their backpacks while on field-trips with their class. Elementary School Students went to the zoo and used pictures and videos where they created presentations. Middle School Students used their backpacks to research fossils and write a paper on it. And high school students created a movie using video cameras.

Q. How many studies have been conducted according to the article? How realistic are they?
A. Three studies had been performed, all three in different areas of schools. An elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. Personally, I dont think that the backpack idea is very realistic, because schools arent exactley provided with the adequate amount of funding to begin with, let alone to buy this digital backpack. However, if grants are available, provided by those that believe and are passionate about the idea, funding may be accessable.