With the global economy in the worst recession in the past fifty years, many of the displaced working people are turning to education as an option to help the find a better job. Education can increase a displaced worker’s self-esteem, improve skill sets, and increase chances of getting a better paying job. However, with all the benefits of education, many state and local government are cutting budgets for technology in the classrooms or qualified instructors for those classrooms. These governments see tax payers dollars being spent on better things like roads or the politicians’ own salaries than education. Politicians would be wise to consider how smart classrooms improve the whole community not just those in the classroom taking the class.
First, smart classrooms allow students and teachers to become more familiar with technology. We live in a world addicted to the latest technology craze. In a smart classroom, many are connected to the internet which allows teachers and students to access the most current information about a subject. When a work force needs to qualified workers, we want students who have had access to the best technology while learning in the classroom. This means that more money should be spent on updating school’s networking systems, buying smart boards for classrooms, installing overhead projectors, buying new computers for the the technology labs every year rather than when the computers break. It is very frustrating for instructors to come into a classrooms that does not have a computer or projector especially when schools expect teacher to use technology in their classroom.
Secondly, the cost of re-educating a hired employee does not improve the economy. When government does not improve education, many small businesses will need to send their employees to be educated again. This costs both the employer and employee in lost productivity time and possible business deals.