To the Editor:
In the Oct. 15, 2014, issue, Benjamin Waldman wrote a Commentary titled “Technology Is Not the Answer: A Student’s Perspective.”
Although I commend Education Week for publishing a Commentary written by a student, I could not help but feel irked by a statement by Mr. Waldman: “Kindergarten is a time when children develop personal relationships with teachers and interact socially with other students. A screen does not afford any of these benefits; in fact, it inhibits them.”
As a kindergarten teacher who uses 1-to-1 devices, I am frustrated by a blanket statement that technology inhibits personal relationships, and that the 1-to-1 use of iPads in kindergarten is not beneficial to students.
I wish Mr. Waldman could spend a day in my kindergarten classroom. My colleagues and I have a very strong program that uses technology for constructive educational purposes. We have seen that the use of iPads has actually increased collaboration among students and given students opportunities to help, teach, and coach each other while they work on projects.
Katie Toppel
Kindergarten Teacher
Durham Elementary School
Portland, Ore.
