social class in the classroom

Just read a very interesting article for my TE 408 class and thought I would share some thoughts here. The study in the article found that teachers of students of varying SES teach them in a way that is intended to train them to be proper members of their social class. For example, she argues that teachers of working class students teach students in a way that emphasizes order and following directions, matching their future jobs that might involve rote obedience, while teachers of affluent children of professionals encourage discovery and creativity in classroom projects. This issue of social reproduction concerns me but I bring it up for this class because it got me thinking about the power of technology as a potential equalizer. Things such as blogs and video editing (which I wish I knew more about) could be an effective way to provide access to a creative outlet for all students with internet access (which can be provided at the school even if it is not at home.) It might even make it easier for certain teacher in low income areas to allow for the creativity that really gets their students involved and thinking not just working. Exposure to the skills of being able to create individual projects, such as a Prezi, could help combat this social reproduction.