Substance Prevention Programs - 1128 Words

PCN-501: Introduction to Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Grand Canyon University Even the most severely addicted individuals can participate in treatment; in the hopes of reducing their drug and alcohol use. Treatment programs with the higher success rates offer a combination of treatments. I will explore substance abuse prevention programs in this paper. I will summarize their goals, funding, and effectiveness. In the state of Arizona, the Division of Behavioral Health Services oversees A.A sectors. Alcoholics Anonymous’ primary purpose is to help others remain or achieve sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) requires no dues or fees to be a member. The groups that meet in the community are†¦show more content†¦Unlike Alcoholics Anonymous, treatment at Hazelden is expensive. Although some insurance is accepted, it does not use slide-scale fees for the uninsured. Like A.A, Hazelden centers their program around the 12-steps and fuses other elements. Hazelden has a residential setting that incorporates group as well as individual therapy, lectures, discussions and attendance at 12-step meetings that are run by counselors, nurses, physicians and psychologists. Treatment is individualized, and Cognitive Behavioral as well as Motivational Enhancement therapy is included in the process (Hazelden, 2012). Another prevention program is the school-based Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (D.A.R.E). D.A.R.E. is a non-profit tax-exempt organization that oversees the training law enforcement receives in order to provide education in the schools on drug use. D.A.R.E also markets for the program, licenses merchandise, and conducts assessment and research. D.A.R.E has 4 regional training centers that are funded annually by the U.S. Department of Justice grant. In addition, states receive individual funding from different sources (Cost of D.A.R.E, 2014). The D.A.R.E. mission appeals to the parents and teachers of students, because the of the ideal results the program promises. Parents naturally seek the safety of their children. Unfortu nately, according to theShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse Prevention Programs : A Critique992 Words   |  4 PagesRunning head: SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAMS: A CRITIQUE 1 6 SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAMS: A CRITIQUE Substance Abuse Prevention Programs: A Critique Thomas J. McCarthy Grand Canyon University: PCN-501 January 27, 2016 Substance Abuse Prevention Programs: A Critique The first substance abuse prevention program is called AlcoholEdu for College by the EverFi company. AlcoholEdu for College is an online alcohol education, harm reduction, and misuse prevention course forRead MoreMilitary Substance Abuse Prevention Programs2987 Words   |  12 PagesRunninghead: CLINICAL ANALYSIS Assignment #4: Military Substance Abuse Prevention Programs Gemma K. Vizcocho University of Southern California Professor Fred P. Stone, PhD, LCSW April 24, 2017 Substance abuse in the military has been a problem throughout history. The unique culture and stress experienced by military service members put them more at risk for substance abuse. Drug and alcohol use has been an easy escape and a coping mechanism forRead MoreThe And Innovative Substance Abuse Prevention Education Program1148 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Facing unparalleled drug abuse among the youth in the 1970’s and early 1980’s, visionary Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates and the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1983 launched an unprecedented and innovative substance abuse prevention education program. Children here in the United States and all over the world benefit from having D.A.R.E( Drug Abuse Resistance Education) in their schools. They teach children about the importance of avoiding joining gangs, doing drugs, and violence. FoundedRead MoreEvidence Based Substance Abuse Prevention Education Programs1831 Words   |  8 PagesEvidence Based Progr ams. Most evidence based substance abuse prevention education programs are sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration known as SAMHSA. According to Skager (2007), SAMSHA has developed over 158 programs which are qualified and registered into the National Registry of Evidence Based Programs and Practices (NREPP). Although evidence based approaches have been predicted to have more promising effects on drug prevention than other approach types, little evaluationRead MoreThe Importance Of Education Programs On Substance Abuse Prevention Education984 Words   |  4 PagesA.R.E program focuses on substance abuse prevention education. The program curriculum aims to give school aged kids the skills needed to avoid drugs and various forms of violence. D.A.R.E was founded in Los Angeles thirty-four years ago as of two thousand and twenty seventeen (D.A.R.E,2017). Also, due to its high success it is now being implemented in seventy five percent of United States schoo ls but the biggest testament to their success is their international reach. What makes this program uniqueRead MoreBenefits And Limitations When Prevention Providers Are Looking For Successful Programs Essay1722 Words   |  7 PagesThere are many benefits and limitations when prevention providers are looking for successful programs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, provides a large research-based guide of the most effective prevention programs. This research should be the number one tool when looking into different types of programs, although it does not include every single program. A common problem in the prevention field consists of registries missing important strategies, including environmental approachesRead MorePreventing Substance Abuse940 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ Preventing substance abuse involves developing numerous strategic partnerships. Substance abuse is a multidisciplinary issue, and requires a correspondingly multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach. The strategy for drug abuse prevention must begin with segmenting the market, or analyzing the needs of the community. Is the greatest proportion of abusers in the community youth? If so, what kinds of drugs are most commonly used in the community? Are seniors in the community abusing prescriptionRead MoreSubstance Abuse Counselors Should Follow The Four Ethical Principles1181 Words   |  5 Pagestreatment program would have seven key points which include: hiring competent substance abuse counselors, effective assessing guidelines, appropriate Evidenced Based Treatment Plans, case management services, programs for Change, family services, and promoting prevention programs. The treatment program being designed will offer a warm and inviting atmosphere that welcomes all clients. Hiring competent substance abuse counselors will be beneficial for designing a successful treatment program. The substanceRead MoreDrug Abuse and Prevention1510 Words   |  7 PagesOur society’s idea of prevention is to limit the availability of drugs (Hart Ksir, 2011, p. 400), but this is not essentially the best way. Addiction affects everyone. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), substance abuse cost our nation â€Å"more than $484 billion dollars (The National Institute on Drug Abuse ).† So although you might not be directly impacted by drug abuse, as a whole your tax dollars are spent on fighting the war on drugs. Currently there are several differentRead MoreSubstance Abuse Prevention At The United States778 Words   |  4 Pagespurpose of this paper is about two substance abuse preventing program in the United States. Team Awareness is a preventing program that deals with behavioral risk that is associate with substance abuse among empl oyees and their families. The purpose of this preventing program is to help individuals with social health and communication to improve the attitude towards alcohol. The program is about six to eight months to help employees and prepare them for the program. According to NREPP â€Å"Team Awareness

Gettysburg Battle A Memorable Event in the American...

The Civil War of the United States was one of the foundations that made this country what it is today. However, it is believed that one battle determined the outcome of this War. If this battle had gone another way, the United States that we know today would not exist as it is. This is the battle of Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg represents a vital turning point during the Civil War because it was the battle with most casualties in the United States, it restored the faith of the Union Army and the confederates never gained back the offensive position resulting in the Union Army gaining the victory of this war. According to General Meade, this three day battle (July 1st- 3rd, 1863) went down as follows. The Union army believed the†¦show more content†¦It was not until 7 pm that there were good reports of the union. Early evening of the 1st, Meade ordered all troops to concentrate at Gettysburg because of the good reports. At 10 pm of the 1st he got off his headquarters at Taneytown and went to the field arriving at 1 am of the 2nd to wait for the light to come out to arrange positions and inspect the field. By 7am he had place all the corps where they belonged. While this happened, the confederates were going up to them. (Meade) The Confederate army, then, started attacking the left so reinforcements were sent there leaving the right vulnerable and Confederates took advantage and attacked right and advanced here. The quite lines remained still until 1 pm on the 3rd then the Confederates started bombing and gunning over 125 guns (according to Meade). This continued for two hours but Meade ordered to not fire back, so the Confederates started to advance toward the Union, believing that they were retreating. But when the Confederates were on eyesight, the Union attacked. This ended the battle because it caught the Confederate army by surprise. Meade felt that there was no possible way to express how well his army had done in this battle and how hard they had fought. He claimed that the victory was a work of all of the men who fought together with him, in addition to the help of God, and that this would go on in time as a memorable thing (Meade, 325). The reason why theShow MoreRelatedGettysburg the Speech1357 Words   |  6 Pages[Subject] [Date] The Gettysburg Address Introduction Gettysburg Address is one of the important dictations of values that provided much needed direction for the future leadership of the United States. It shaped the societal values and beliefs of the country. This assertion can be affirmed with the speech s enduring presence in the US culture. Notwithstanding its noticeable place cut into stone units on the south divider of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Gettysburg Address is everyRead MoreThe Gettysburg Address By Henry Wadsworth1548 Words   |  7 PagesThe â€Å"Gettysburg Address† is a speech given by former President Abraham Lincoln that focuses on the Civil War and the horrific battle that just took place at that location. Lincoln urges the people to remember what America is built on and freedom, liberty, and working together. Not only does Lincoln discuss that, but he also makes sure to thank the men who have fought in the war. He also reminded the people of what these soldiers fought for to give them the i deals that they take for granted I planRead MoreAnalysis of Scarlett O’hara on the Perspective of Feminism5754 Words   |  24 Pagesreceived the 1937 Pulitzer Prize. As the first novel which depicts American Civil War from women’s perspective, Margaret focuses on the suffering from the war of those women who stay at home and their difficult journey of reconstruction. Literary critics, on the basis of their respective knowledge and understanding have given different evaluation about this novel. Most of their researcher concentrates on the historical background of American Civil War, the abolitionist though, Scarlett’s particular characterRead MoreAmerican Sport Movies Dealing with Racism6989 Words   |  28 Pages1. American Sport Movies There are few countries in the world in which sports permeate national life to the degree that it does in the United States. Sports are a big part of the fabric of American life. The centrality of sports in American life is amply reflected in the American cinema. For decades movie makers have successfully mined sports to produce some of the most inspiring, poignant, exciting and memorable American movies ever made. The genre of ‘Sport Movies’ established in the Fifties

Security And Privacy On The Internet Essay - 1489 Words

Many users are subject of Security and Privacy on the Internet issue. The term information now is more used when defining a special product or article of trade which could be bought, sold, exchanged, etc. Often the price of information is higher many times than the cost of the very computers and technologies where it is functioning. Naturally it raises the need of protecting information from unauthorized access, theft, destruction, and other crimes. However, many users do not realize that they risk their security and privacy online. First, I want to describe who the subjects of the issue are. In my opinion, the issue is the most relevant for the private and commercial information. Home users risk their security while connected to†¦show more content†¦Internet could be used by rivals or criminals just as a mean to access such information. If consider such fact that almost any organization today uses Internet as it uses telephone, the scales of the issue become global. As an example I would like to describe my experience working at a relatively small fruit import company. The management of this firm gets information, makes orders, and carries almost all negotiations via the e-mail. To minimize the risk of any disclosure or loss of confidential data, it is important to understand where the risks are, and implement office management practices and appropriate technology to ensure all of your data remains confidential and secure, advises article IDS: Classification (2002, December4). The potential loss or dis closure of information could occur through various ways: vulnerabilities of operation systems (mostly Microsoft products), vulnerabilities of e-mail software, viruses and malicious software, and weak passwords. It is relatively easy to protect electronic information in this case, but it does take some time and effort, which could be difficult for managers, who do not have an expertise in computers. Next I would like to speak about effective measures to protect data. Selection of security means should be based on an effective protection and meanwhile should be convenient. As advises article Anonymity for lazy people (2004, JuneShow MoreRelatedSecurity and Privacy on the Internet1544 Words   |  7 Pagesof Security and Privacy on the Internet issue. The term information now is more used when defining a special product or article of trade which could be bought, sold, exchanged, etc. Often the price of information is higher many times than the cost of the very computers and technologi es where it is functioning. Naturally it raises the need of protecting information from unauthorized access, theft, destruction, and other crimes. However, many users do not realize that they risk their security andRead MoreInternet Security and an Invasion of Privacy1694 Words   |  7 PagesSearches and Seizures The advent of technology marks the beginning of the digital era. It is an era which created a whole new world called the World Wide Web (WWW) whereas the people therein are called â€Å"netizens†. With the proliferation of the internet usage across the world, netizens are able to meet other netizens from the other side of the world, to share their thoughts, pictures, and videos, and to interact through online workplace platforms, games, mails, and many more. It has created wide-rangeRead MoreEssay about Internet Privacy and Security 849 Words   |  4 Pageshas made things a lot less private. This results in us having to be extra careful with security on the internet. Internet security is important to protect our privacy, protect us from fraud, and from viruses that could destroy a piece of our technology. Internet privacy and security may be different but share a responsibility, but it is up to us to take personal responsibility to protect ourselves on the internet. We sho uld pick unique, carful passwords, and never share this sensitive informationRead MorePrivacy Versus Security: Personal Data and Internet Use, Is Your Privacy Being Eroded?2458 Words   |  10 PagesPrivacy versus Security: Personal Data Internet Use There are many Americans who are perplexed by the very topic of Internet Privacy as well as the security of their personal data. While the topics, privacy and security are clearly defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as two different things, they possess the ability to work together while one does not encroach upon the other. While these are two different topics, there are some that make the mistake of using these terms interchangeablyRead MorePrivacy, The State Of Being Away From Public Attention1614 Words   |  7 PagesThroughout time, privacy and security have been two heavily debated topics. There has always been a struggle to find middle ground between a private environment and a secure environment, but the dawn of technology and the Internet has made this struggle even more difficult. The Internet has drastically decreased the expectation of privacy of any and all individuals that have ever used it. Technology in general can pose a threat to an individ ual’s physical and virtual security. The Internet has also broughtRead MoreEssay on Privacy on the Internet1281 Words   |  6 PagesPrivacy is mentioned in the Bill of Rights, but in which amendment does privacy on the Internet fall. In the website â€Å"The Right of Privacy† it says that â€Å"The U.S. Constitution contains no express right to privacy† (n. pag.). Freedom of religion is given to us in the First Amendment. The Fourth Amendment protects you from searches and seizures unless the officials possess a warrant. The Fifth Amendment gives us the right to interpret the first eight amendments in ways that can protect the people.Read MoreWhy Personal Information Is Risky On The Internet And The Situation Of Information Security1422 Words   |  6 PagesWith the development of internet technology, society has been pushed compulsorily into a ‘big data’ period(Craig and Ludloff,2011).†Big data refers to the massive amounts of data collect ed over time that are difficult to analyze and handle using common database management tools† (http://www.pcmag.com). Not only the development strategy of the government and enterprises, but also threaten citizens’ personal information security. There are significant issues increases rapidly due to this environmentRead MoreNetwork Product Development Company : Security Issue1280 Words   |  6 PagesIoT Integration in Network Product Development Company : Security issue –Critical Literature Review. Introduction: The Internet of Things (IoT) sometimes known as Internet of objects. Internet of Things later will change to Internet of Everything which includes education, communication, business, science, government, and humanity. The internet is one of the most important and powerful creations in human history (Evan, 2011). The high volumes of data generated by IoT and technologies for the similarRead MoreLack Of Privacy On The Internet1404 Words   |  6 Pagesissue today that cuts so wide a swath through conflicts confronting American society like privacy. From AIDS tests to wiretaps, polygraph tests to computerized data bases, the common denominator has been whether the right to privacy outweighs other concerns of society. And with more and more people using the Internet, more and more information being passed over the Internet, more problems arise. The Internet has been an advantage in technology that has greatly increased the capacities of a computerRead MoreEssay On Internet Privacy147 1 Words   |  6 PagesIST 618 Summer 2017 online Policy Essay #2 Privacy In today’s world, Privacy and Security comes hand in hand with internet. Technology allows us free speech and freedom of information over the internet, by imposing strict laws and policies regulating the privacy and security of our information. According to Richard Clarke, free expression over the internet and its privacy are two sides of the same coin (Privacy and security(n.d.)). Writing blogs, uploading posts, comments

Enlglish101 Final Paper free essay sample

For many years, the state of the educational system has been a polarizing topic in America. Some believe that the current systemtraditional classrooms, objective based learning, and standardized testingis the best way to continue teaching K-12 students. In contrast, others believe that the educational system should transition into a more interactive learning style. More specifically, these advocators believe that classroom settings should have more technology and virtual learning styles so that students will e prepared for the world of tomorrow. Times change and people change with them. Over the last two decades, there have been significant advances in technological innovations. Because of the creation of laptops, cellphones, tablets, and more, information is much more accessible to the average person. Today, the average person spends about 7 hours of their day using some form of media technology. (Communications Market Report) The statistics are even higher for children and teenagers, who spend about 53 hours using media technology a week. Generation M2 Report) The excessive use of media technology can be attributed to anything from ommunicating on social networking cites to participating in tutorial sessions for classes. No matter the reason for using media technology, education officials have observed that the way young people learn has begun to change. For example, students (k-12) no longer have to read through encyclopedias to find out facts; instead they can simply search for facts on the Internet. Because of the change in learning, education officials have advocated for change in the traditional education curriculum. They want to move away from the traditional way of learningbooks, aper, and pencils†to a more technological based curriculum. In recent discussions of the inclusion of technology in the classroom, a controversial aspect has been its effectiveness. On one hand, some argue that incorporating technology into the classroom improves student achievement, technical skills, and engagement. On the other hand, others argue that there is no evidence to suggest that technology in the classroom improves student achievement. The opposing side also argues that incorporating technology in the classroom undermines the role of the teacher and distracts students from truly learning. Neither of these arguments fully addresses the issue; however, this paper will consider that teachers understanding how to use technology effectively in the classroom can influence student achievement. Moreover, this paper will examine the definition of technology in the classroom, the advantages and disadvantages of including laptops in the classroom, and its impact on student learning. Ultimately, this paper will recommend the inclusion of more laptops in the classroom. In addition, the paper will advocate for more extensive training for teachers so that the technology can be used effectively. Before discussing the effectiveness of technology in the classroom, it is important to identify what consists of technology in the classroom. According to many educational technology experts, technology in the classroom consists of: laptops/computers, tablets, cellphones, digital games, class blogs/websites, and more. In the article, Using Technology in Todays Classroom, the author, an educator, suggests that when people hear the word technology, most of them first think of computers (1). He argues that people are misinformed because educational technology consists of many things. In his words, different technologies provide different kinds of content and serve different purposes in the classroom (1). The different types of technology that can be used in the classroom for educational purposes are so vast; the possibilities of what these technologies can be used for are endless. More specifically, the use of laptops in the classroom presents so many opportunities for better learning. Since laptops can be used for a number of things, the use of this device can potentially have a huge impact on classroom interaction, student learning, and student engagement. In the article, Teaching and learning Physics in a 1:1 Laptop School, Drs. Andrew Zucker and Sarah Hug described the use of laptops and related digital tools for teaching physics at the Denver School of Technology (586). The Denver School of Technology is a public charter high school that is attended by many students who come from low- income families (586). The school has a unique program that provides every student with a laptop to use for the entire school year so that the students are able to keep up with the curriculum. Drs. Andrew Zucker and Sarah Hug interviewed teachers and tudents, conducted surveys, observed classrooms, and used document analyses to understand how the laptops were being used in the classroom and how its use was affecting student learning. Through these observations and interviews, Zucker and Hug found that most teachers used the laptops to simulate experiments, create group collaborations, search for information, and collect and analyze data (590). In comparison to other schools around the area, Zucker and Hug found that the students performances on standardized tests improved significantly. Overall, they concluded, apparently not only do the laptops not harm DSSTs physics students, the tudy suggests that teachers and students valued and benefited from using the technology for teaching and learning (593). Both doctors acknowledged that the negative affects of using the laptops in the classroom are off-task students and technological issues. Despite the issues, the program at the Denver School of Technology shows that students can learn by using laptops in the classroom. The students at the school became more engaged in the lessons and benefited from a more interactive class setting. There are many who do not believe in the hype of technology in the classroom because there is no proof to suggest that it improves tudent learning. In the article, Technology Uses and Student Achievement: A Longitudinal Study, Jing Lei, an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Syracuse University, concluded that using more technology does not improve learning or achievement. She did a study on students and teachers at a middle school in Ohio (286). Like Zucker and Hug, Lei conducted her study by having the teachers and students answer surveys and participate in interviews. The participants were asked questions such as: what do you use computers for, how much time do you spend on computers, and more (287). Lei found that using technology for longer amounts of time can actually be worse for the students; the students would usually get involved in activities that were not related to the academic content. The same position was expressed in the article Technology and its Impact in the Classroom. Rozalind G Muir-Herzig, the author, did a study on at rise students at a high school in Ohio. The study was conducted to examine the how the use of technology (computers) during instruction impacted at-risk students. Schools typically use the following criteria for identifying at-risk students: failing grades, low GPA, and/or high bsenteeism of a student (1 13). During the study, teachers responded to questions about their own proficiency wi th technology as well as their students proficiency with technology. He found that teachers technology use, students technology use, and overall technology use have no significant positive effect on the grades and attendance of students (1 11). Overall, Herzig concluded that technology didnt help student learning. In short, student learning and achievement is dependent upon how the technology is used in the classroom. If the instructor is not using the tools in n effective way, then the consequence is that there are not going to be any significant gains in student performance. There could be many confounding reasons that explain why using the computers in these schools did not help the students. For example, maybe there werent enough resources (number of computers) to give to everyone or maybe the teachers werent familiar with the software and how to use it for interactive lessons. Nonetheless, the performance of the students cannot be blamed solely on the inclusion of technology in the classroom. In the article, Learning with Laptops: Implementation and Outcomes in an Urban, Under-privileged School, Chrystalla Mouza, an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware, conducted a study on a single elementary school that was made up of predominately minority students from low-income neighborhoods. Mouza paired laptop and non-laptop classrooms over the course of the school year in order to have two comparable student populations that would reveal the significance of the technology (467). Mouzas research suggested that having the laptops in the classroom did have a positive influence on the students performance, motivation, and engagement. Students appeared enthusiastic about having laptops and reported enjoying school more learn[ing] things in different ways and direct[ing] their own learning. As a result, they became more motivated, exhibited greater academic engagement, and often went beyond required assignments (468). She also stated that [the] qualitative data indicated that the laptop program produced academic gains in writing and mathematics within the laptop group (447). Mouzas study proved that using laptops in the classroom can have a positive impact on students attitude about school. While the students in the non-laptop classrooms still ad a negative disposition towards school, Mouza described the kids who were apart of the laptop classrooms as being genuinely excited to come to school. They wanted to engage in the classroom activities. They wanted to complete the assignments. They wanted to continue to explore the subject without the teachers guidance. A students attitude towards school plays a huge role in whether that student will exceed in school or not. If having laptops makes the students more excited to come to school and learn, then the outcome will be positive. Researchers are also discovering that sing media technology, like social networking, digital gaming, and virtual simulations, in the classroom might be beneficial for students. In the research paper, Using the Technology of Today, in the Classroom of Today, a group of students who attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted research on specific classrooms in grades k 2 They tound that these technologies attord us the ability convey concepts in new ways that would otherwise not be possible, efficient, or effective, with other instructional methods (4). Since digital technology is such a normal part of young peoples lives, infusing educational programs into the urriculum through these mediums is only reasonable. Not only could it make learning more interesting for these students, but it could also improve student achievement. The researches concluded that Not only is this highly motivating and engaging for students, it allows students to retain, connect and transfer learning from these experiences to future learning and experiences (9). If more personal laptops were included in classrooms, teachers could integrate these different activitiesgaming and simulationsinto the classroom. By using technological mediums that the students are familiar with, the learning environment could become ore comfortable for these students. It could cause the students to become more open to learning new concepts; it could also cause the students to better understand the concepts. Andrew S. Clark, the founder and CEO of Bridgepoint Education, asserts, digital integration in education, from e-textbooks to predictive analytics in online learning, is part of a trend toward greater efficacy, accountability and affordability in the American classroom (1). He suggests that in order for America to move forward and make educational gains, the country must adapt to the world of today. He believes that American students (k-12) are falling behind their foreign counterparts in education. His claims can be supported with evidence. In 2009, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) administered a test called the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) to 15 year-olds across the world. The results of the performance of American students placed America 1 5th to 25th worldwide in reading, math, and science. Many believe that America is going to continue to fall behind in education if the current education system does not improve significantly. Although incorporating technology in the classroom isnt the only way to help bridge the gap between American students and their foreign counterparts, it is a step in the right direction. In her article, New Technologies in the Classroom, Jodi Pilgrim, an assistant professor and teacher in the Education Department at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, proclaims technology offers educators a way to engage students in learning that translates to real-world applications (22). What is more important than real-world applications? The reason for attending school is to prepare students for the real world. When students raduate from high school, they have a choice of going to college or getting a Job. If school systems (k-12) dont prepare students well enough, then a potential effect could be that the students wont be able to compete in college. As a result, the number of students attending and graduating from college could decline, which would affect the total number of people attaining upper-level Jobs. If students are not able to get upper-level Jobs, like Jobs in health, science, and engineering, then America might not be able to compete on the global level. Its like a domino affect; one problem could lead to more problems. While technology is not the only way to achieve real-world applications, as proved by older generations that didnt have access to technology, technology does prepare younger students for the world of tomorrow. Technology will prepare them for the world in which they will have to compete. There are many people who believe that advocators tor technology in the classroom give too much credit to the technology and undermine the role of the teacher. For example, Technology Does not Make a Classroom Successful, the Teacher Does, is a personal article by Pernille Ripp, an elementary school teacher and the creator of the Global Read Aloud project. In her article, Ripp argues that its the teachers Job to make the classroom as instructive as possible. l dont care how many computers you stick in a room, if a teacher is not facilitating them properly then they wont make a lick of difference (1). She believes that people are getting too invested in technology fixing our broken education system (1). She argues that teachers knowing how to use the tools effectively in order to engage the students and promoting productive learning is the most important factor in student learning. Although some may argue that using technology in the classroom undermines the ole of the teacher, many educational technology advocates acknowledge that the teachers role in the classroom is paramount. For example, in the interview, Transforming Education with Technology: A Conversation with Karen Cator, Karen Cator, director of the Office of Educational Technology, made strong claims about the education system (k-12) of the near future. In this digital learning environment, well incorporate cognitive tutors and integrate simulations, visualizations of complex math and science concepts, videos, and animated demonstrations. And we need to make sure the environments are fully accessible to all students (18). Cator acknowledges that it will be difficult to ensure that each student has his or her own technolo gical device; however, she does believe that it is important for school systems across America to make this available to students. She believes that having devices, like laptops and tablets, will become a normJust like bringing a notebook and pencil pouch to class is a norm today. Although Cator stresses that using technology in the classroom will benefit the students, she still understands the significance of the teacher. She advocates for using technology to support learning goals (20). She claims that teachers should connect with other teachers, try to find resources, and participate in professional development in order to improve their students learning. Many education officials have this same viewpoint. In an interview with Laysha Kemp, a special education coordinator who has a masters degree in educational technology, the main topic of discussion was the impact that technology has on student learning. In her words, technology will only make so much of a difference the major influence on student achievement is how the teachers use that technology to interact with the class. Kemp, like many other educational technology advocators, understands that the teacher has the greatest influence on student learning because the teacher facilitates the learning environment. Some may also argue that using media technology will hinder students from truly learning and influence the downward spiral of our education system. In Technology Changing How Students Learn, Teachers Say, Richtel, a technology reporter for the New York Times, interviewed teachers about their perception of their students use of technology. Richtels evidence suggests that teachers believe that students attention pans are being affected by technology in a negative way. In his interview, about 71 percent said they thought technology was hurting attention span somewhat or a lot. About 60 percent said it hindered students ability to write and communicate nurt critical thinking and their ability to do homeworV (1). The teachers also claimed that they had to entertain the students to get them more involved in the class activity. Many of the teachers expressed that if there wasnt a skit, song, or dance infused into the lesson, then the students were disengaged and uninterested. Today, oung st udents (k-12) are constantly bombarded with new information, new games, and new interactive sites over media technology. The technological world in which they live in is so fast-paced. Teachers should expect that they will have to be more creative to get the students involved in instruction. The problem is not that students are not able to pay attention and learn the material. The problem is that the classrooms and teaching styles have not changed, even though the way students learn has changed. By using laptops in the classroom, the teachers could incorporate skits, songs, and dances into the lesson through virtual simulations. The teachers would be satisfied with not having to perform these activities themselves and the students would be satisfied with the teaching format. The outcome would be positive for both parties. Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology: The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America is a book written by Allan Collins, a professor emeritus of education and social policy at Northwestern University, and Richard Halverson, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Wisconsin Madison. The purpose of the book is to encourage a radical hange in our educational system. Collins and Halverson claim that technological advances have become huge parts of our daily lives, social lives, and career lives. However, technology is still lagging in the educational realm (k-12). By the 21st century, we have seen great technological and social changes that have yet to be reflected in the schools (62). In a world where technology is such a big part of our lives, this issue should not be occurring. Instead, school systems and teachers should be knowledgeable about how to use these technological devices, especially laptops, for educational advantages. Collins and Halveron also argued that The current school system does not help students develop intrinsic motivation to learn (131). In other words, the students are simply bored with school. They are disconnected from the learning environment because it is outdated; it no longer represents the time period in which we exist. In the debate of whether including laptops into the classrooms is useful for students or not, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Laptops get the students more engaged and interested in the lessons. Students genuinely enjoy being involved in interactive class settings. When tudents are guiding their own learning, they are much more receptive to what is being taught to them, which transpires into their learning and achievement. Although students can become distracted and use the laptops for activities other than academics, there are guidelines and consequences that can be put into place to ensure that this doesnt happen during instruction time. In addition, even though some researchers have not found any significant evidence to prove that technology improves student learning, their lack of evidence should not cause the entire educational system to abandon the prospect of including more technology in the lassroom as a whole. If teachers are trained on how to use technological devices, like laptops, for educational purposes, then the possibilities of what can be incorporated into the curriculum would be endless. A good educational instructor, coupled with the vast amenities that laptops provide tor the classroom setting, makes the pertect learning environment. Laptops are the perfect devices to finally bring our educational system up to speed with the 21st century.