Imagine a life without any technology. That means no computers for school, no cell phones, and no writing papers like I am doing right now. If our schools didn’t allow us to use these tools school would be possible, but much different and not nearly as convenient. America prides itself on being a leader in technology, a key component of the 21st century school system. Nearly every classroom has the new “Smart boards” in them, modern furniture, and bright colored motivational posters, all components of this modern school system that so many are trying to establish in every school in the United States.

Then on the other end of the spectrum is the Italian culture. They pride themselves on being traditional and cultural people. This applies to all aspects of their life. From traditions that they carry on at home, such as meal times, to the way that they run their schools. Italians are not in a rush to try to keep up with technologically advanced countries like the United States or Asia. The culture is content moving at a pace that is considered to be slowly by other countries standards.

Chalkboards are used in place of whiteboards, old wooden desks are used in place of modern plastic desks, and the students stay in one classroom while the teachers more around to them.  If you were to walk into an Italian school building it would look like you went back in time. Even the textbooks used are old versions by a significant number of years.

Why would a school want to stay this way? What makes either side think that there way is truly the one that works?