Technology in Schools

As new technology is being introduced to the world daily, more people are trying to utilize these new advancements in many different ways. We have seen a lot of computer usage in the work force. Computers are used to provide better efficiency and time management. A major debate topic regarding the use of computers has developed regarding the schools systems and whether computers are having a negative impact on students’ growth and development.

Lowell Monke, an assistant professor of education, believes that computers in the school environment are having a negative impact on the students. Monke strongly believes that utilizing computers in schools emphasizes a strong focus on getting the students prepared for the workforce, while there is less emphasis on the importance of developing the students’ minds with first hand experiences. There will be a lack of focus on building their creativity. Monke also states that once computers are further integrated into the school curriculum, human needs will no longer be a priority, and we will be focused on adapting to the demands of our machines. Students, at an early age, will learn to become materialistic and given too much power that they won’t know how to manage. Schools are cutting programs in order to provide more funding for boosting security to sustain and protect these new computers.

On the other hand, Frederick Hess, believes that computers will be a benefit to teachers and students. He states that with the aid of computers, schools will become more efficient and teachers will be able to use their time more wisely. There are computer programs that can now mark grammatical errors and check run on sentences. Instead of spending so much of their time grading errors on writing assignments, teachers will be able to focus more of their time and energy with each individual student, assessing their needs. Also, computers will allow teachers to better track the learning improvements of each student.

I believe that computers can provide a great deal of help to both teachers and students. Although it is very easy to abuse the use of computers in class, many students can learn more efficiently. As long as there is an acceptable use policy that is strictly followed so that computers will be used only for learning purposes, computers should not pose a problem in the learning atmosphere. However, I do agree with Monke that first hand experiences will always provide students with a better grasp on the information being taught. Lesson plans can be taught with the aid of computers. However, the material learned in class can be put to use outside of the classroom with first hand experiences and encounters that help students gain a full understanding of the material.

Lesson plans should not be strictly on the computer. Teacher-student interactions are key to student success inside and outside of the classroom. There should be time set aside for teacher instruction. After this, the teachers will have programs set up for the students to enforce what was just taught. Teachers will be able to track the progress of each student on the computer. Once the students have fully grasped the lesson, it will be time to explore and experience this first handedly. All in all, by working hand in hand, both computers and first hand experiences will greatly benefit the students and teachers in schools.

Can Failing Schools Be Turned Around?

Student education has been a major focus of many throughout the years. A major issue that is currently been dealt with is the failure of our school systems. Students are not performing up to standards. States have been trying to solve this ongoing issue and attempting to decide which is the best solution to fix this problem. As a nation, we cannot let students fail. The students are the future. If we fail on education, we are not succeeding in our role as a society. We must all work together and put these children, our future, as our main focus.

Some argue that that most effective solution to fix the failure of some school districts is to work together as a cohesive unit and analyze the needs of the students. It is crucial that we work with these needs to promote a better learning atmosphere. The focus is primarily on the students. Emphasis on what the students need to learn, discipline, and teacher quality are being enforced. Supporters of the turnaround policy firmly believe that there needs to be a sufficient amount of time for teachers to collaborate with other teachers and faculty to determine what needs to be improved and what is the best way to do so. There needs to be time for teachers to interact with the students and focus on their specific needs.

Others have the viewpoint that failing schools cannot be turned around, and that such schools need to be shut down all together. They support the notion that once a school shows that the students are not at the performance levels that they should be, then the government will take over, the school will be shut down, and a charter school will be set up. The supporters of this solution believe that turnaround policies are not as effective as proposed. They think that a quick shutdown of the entire school and a buildup of a brand new school with new teachers and policies will solve this problem a lot faster and more effectively.

I believe that just because an entire school system is failing does not mean that the school cannot rebuild itself with time. Closing down the school will not solve the problem. If a school system is failing, it is going to require a lot of time and effort in order to fix multiple issues. There is no such thing as a quick fix. The most effective and logical solution to help better education for students in failing school districts is to focus on the students. We need to take the time to evaluate the needs of students and work together to form better lesson plans to fit students’ needs.

More money is spent of the education for those who are fortunate to have money while poverty stricken areas are paid less attention. This is one of the many reasons why many areas’ school districts are not serving these students properly. More funding needs to be provided. If the district itself cannot afford proper funding, then that national government should take charge and assist with the funds. This way, better lesson plans and school activities can be implemented in the classrooms. Teachers need to be better trained to follow through on disciplining the children. It is simply not fair how students are discriminated upon due to their lack of income. Every students needs to be treated equally. Education needs to be stressed on a national level so that all children get the same learning opportunies as every other child in America. These students are our future, so they all need a good education.