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.