Chapter 3

Chapter 3 basically gave us the layout of current technology that was being widely used in the classroom and everyday life.  It was an important chapter because it gave an insight as to the pro's and cons of every instrument.  One question that was brought up, is it important to learn about different technology tools when they're constantly changing?  Absolutely, especially with how every year something gets updated or a completely new item comes out.  With the advent of mobile technology, vast amounts of information became readily available to people.  When wireless internet became affordable and easily accessible to people, internet access skyrocketed in all sectors.  This is a great benefit to education, because now a student will have unlimited access to information relatable to the current topic they're working on.  So it became important for everybody to understand wireless connection and the potential it has.  I'll admit, I love my laptop computer and easily mobile it can be.  I haven't been sold on tablets yet, because they can be limited as to what you can do with them.  Sure, they may be easier to carry around, but when it comes to word processing, it doesn't quite fit the bill for me. 
Desktop computers do have more powerful hardware than mobile devices, and there's no time limit on a battery running low or even risking a laptop overheating.  Desktops, I believe, are more practical when it comes to serious functions, such as graphic design and photo-shop.  Laptops have become more powerful over the past 10 years, but you can't upgrade their hardware like you can a desktop.  With a desktop you can add more memory or a better graphics card, but with a laptop, you're limited to what it came with.  Also cost efficiency, laptops end up costing more than desktops because they're specially designed to be mobile.  The hardware is physically smaller to make it portable, which makes the prices higher and more expensive to get service done to it.  Whereas with a desktop, you can get more for your money, because the hardware isn't designed to be mobile.  Also, you damage a laptops monitor, you can't replace it.  You have to buy a whole new unit.  So cost-wise, laptops are much more expensive. 
Obviously before purchasing new computers or pieces of equipment, one has to determine what it is they will be used for and if they will be able to perform those tasks sufficiently.  For example, PDA's are great mobile devices, but there's only so much they can do.  They can get internet access, and limited word processing, but are they effective in helping a student complete a project?  PDA's are indeed cheaper than laptops, but students will be able to work on projects much easier and be able to multitask with a mobile PC. 
Technology has its pro's and cons, more than what the book lists.  It is up to the school system to determine whether or not a piece of technology will benefit the children's educational process.  Unfortunately, a lot of school systems are behind technologically, so many children are not developing the necessary computer skills needed in our Digital Age.  Hopefully as time progresses, these items will become more affordable and readily available for these schools so every child can learn these valuable skills.