Computers must be integrated in classwork

I read the letters submitted by two educational professionals regarding technology in the classroom ["High-tech challenge at school," Letters, Jan. 31] and believe both (unintentionally) point to what is the core problem with technology deployment in our schools.

I worked for over 30 years with technology in a financial services company and witnessed firsthand how advances were integrated. Technology, if used correctly, can be not an end but a means in the classroom. Properly integrated into the lesson plan, it can become a powerful and engaging tool for learning.

The first step is to help the teachers understand how to integrate the tools. I don't believe our schools invest enough time in this fundamental step and, as a result, computers may often sit in classrooms virtually unused.

Today, math classes typically allow students to use calculators. Why not take that to the next step by using computers to help the teacher communicate the intricacies of integrated algebra or geometry, as one example? Our children keep up with current events on the Web now and communicate through their smartphones. I think the classroom, to be more effective, has to keep up with its constituents - the students.

Phil Cicciari

Westbury