Before delving in and seeing if technology has bettered our education in the 21-century, we should probably go back and explore how it originated. Marcia Clemmitt, in the article Digital Education discharges that “Electronic computers were invented in the early 1940's and used as early as 1943 for a wartime educational purpose -- as flight simulators.” (Clemmitt 1012). Clemmitt, in her article states the nature of the first computers coming into use in order to shine light on the original purpose they had. Helping our men and women in the line of battle, but once computers came out it was time to find other applications this wonderful technology could be integrated amongst. Clemmitt writes that, “More schools have computers, but most are used for record-keeping, other administrative purposes.” (1011). Clemmitt, displays how things progress as time moves on by telling us that computers are moving their way into schools. Clemmit mentions that, “Schools sensibly start by giving the teacher a computer to serve as a grade book, communicate using websites and email and replace audio-visual aids. Helping teachers become comfortable with technology is an important first step toward helping them figure out how to use it productively for student learning, she says.” (1019). Before technology can take hold in an environment it first need to go through baby steps. Clemmitt, wrote that Acts are providing brick and mortar schools with technology. For example the programming language BASIC was invented, along with additional computer learning programs (1011). These applications will help development of computers and the versatility of them, and how suitable they will be for school function. Clemmitt, then mentions that the amount of schools gra...
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Koch, Kathy. "The Digital Divide." CQ Researcher 28 Jan. 2000: 41-64. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.
"Laptops in Schools." Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 11 Jan. 2008. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. .
"Online Classes Can Increase Learning." Has Technology Increased Learning? By Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2009. 53-59. Print. Rpt. of "Welcome to the Cyber Classroom." The Education Innovator 6 (2008): n. pag.
Sovern, Jeff. "Laptops in class: How distracting are they?." Christian Science Monitor 06 June 2011: N.PAG. Academic Search Premier. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. van der Meij, Hans, Eefje Albers, and Henny Leemkuil. "Learning From Games: Does Collaboration Help?." British Journal Of Educational Technology 42.4 (2011): 655-664. Academic Search Premier. Web. 28 Feb. 2014.
David Gelernter author of the essay, “Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom,” used some rhetorical appeals but not many in his essay, whilst trying to logically persuade his audience that computers could be utilized in the classroom, but under certain stipulations. Gelernter has great credibility for speaking on education and technology, as he is a professor of computer science at Yale University, so he more than anyone should know the outcomes of using a computer as a tool while teaching. However, when it comes to technology a lot of older generations usually are pretty biased when discussing technologies advancements, Gelernter still had some very good points! Using computers while teaching our young children can be useful but with strict moderations; when, where, and why, because if not heavily monitored, computers could be extremely detrimental to the learning experience and processes for many students.
Many people argue that by using laptops during lectures, students are able to actively participate in the class and they have better communication with the professors despite large class sizes (Fried, 2008, p.2). Through classroom resources such as university and course online platforms, students are able to access the information they are learning about in their lectures. However, students themselves also have a very particular view on this topic, as they are very protective over their belongings and do not want to have their laptops banned from the classroom: “more and more faculty are banning laptops from their classrooms because of perceptions that they distract students and detract from learning,” (Fried, 2008, p.1). Prohibiting the use of laptops in university classrooms is becoming a more common solution to multitasking and student distraction. Universities enforce this regulation in order to prevent distraction and multitasking from impacting a students and surrounding student’s academic
Based on what I have read, technology effectiveness is a highly debated and argued topic among educators. There are many myths and misconceptions that even I myself have argued about technology use. For example, I always assumed that because I was a young, new teacher and used technology that most teachers who used technology were new and young like me. According to the article Research dispels common ed-tech myths, this idea is not the case. Veteran teachers are just as likely to use technology as new, young teachers (eSchool News Staff, 2010). A 2009 survey by Grundwald associates, found that as many as 34% of teachers were infrequent technology users compared to 22% who claimed that they used technology frequently, more than a third of their class time. This number is astounding to me. The research in this article seems to argue that even among those who do use technology in the classroom, many use it for tasks such as email, word processing, or games. Very few classrooms seem to be using the technology for actual learning and teaching.
"Technology in the Middle » Blog Archive » Digital Literacy 101: Class Dismissed But Not Over." Technology in the Middle . N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2012. .
Schools all over the world have computers in their classrooms that are used everyday. With greater technology available, many people believe that students learn more by using computers and the internet. There are people on the other hand though, who think that schools would be fine without the use of computers. Students of all ages use computers to learn new things. People have different views on whether or not students become smarter by using computers in school.
Furthermore, some may suggest that online learning is benefiting our students in society. There has been a breakthrough in time and geographical limitations of education via online courses (Ho, 2009). Online education is cost-effective, efficient, and easily accessible (Schmeeckle, 2003). Online classes are used for individual and independent learning in which the student can learn at their own pace (Gonzalez, 2009). Not only is online education beneficial for breaking down barriers, online education has the potential to help students learn material more efficiently. Students are more likely to seek help from their instructors when the material is taught online (Whipp & Lorentz, 2009). Computer use in statistical classes could help decrease math anxiety (Gundy, Morton, Liu, & Kline, 2006). In a study that measured online students’ ability to achieve the same efficiency of course material as face-to-face students, at least 98% of students reported that they had, so one may be lead to believe that online learning is just as efficient as face-to-face courses (Liebowitz, 2003). With all of the positive aspects of online education, one may wonder why there is any debate as to whether or not online education is beneficial for
In conclusion, technology has changed education for the better allowing access to unlimited resources, distance learning and broadening the means of communication. Technology creates a more encouraging environment and stimulates students to engage in something they may be familiar with. Technology has allowed people to know more and to collaborate with each other. Students have a great range of technologies which strengthens the relationship between knowledge and students. The technology used today throughout the world will only strengthen and advance the 21st century education system. With unlimited resources, students can take advantage of their learning and gain the most from it. Integrating technology into education promotes a better learning community.
Electronic Devices in Schools -. Detroit: Green Haven Press, 2008. Print. The. Higgins, Josh.
When I become a teacher there is no doubt that I will use computers in my classroom and my students will do activities with computers. It is just the way to do things now. There are so many valuable programs out there to help students learn and to help teachers teach that computers are pretty much a necessity in classrooms. In my opinion for an elementary classroom there should be at least five to ten computers in each room. Without the access to the computers it is hard to take advantage of all the wonderful things a computer has to offer. Even using the internet has a source of information for the students or has a tutorial for students who are struggling. There are so many ways that classrooms will benefit from computers.
Sovern, Jeff. "Laptops in Class: How Distracting Are They?." Christian Science Monitor. 06 Jun 2011: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 25 Mar 2012.
Lansford, L. (2009). Online classes can save schools money; expand learning time for k-12 students. Retrieved from http://news.ufl.edu/2009/05/18/online-learning/
Tablets themselves, because of their increase in sales, are expected to decrease in price, which allows schools to take further advantage of the devices without spending more on netbooks or laptops for every student. Gartner’s U.S. global IT forecasts show that “as sales of tablets increase, the average price of the devices in 2015 will be about half of what it [was in 2011]” (Thibodeau). Gartner made certain predictions about the growth of the tablet industry, and thu...
... Gadgets: Addiction, Dependency, or Hype?" Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice, 2013. Web. 6 Nov 2013. Retrieved from: http://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/high-tech-gadgets-addiction-dependency-or-hype/>.
Technology has had a huge impact on education. It continues to shape the way we learn and what we learn today and in the future. As technology advances, so does the quality of education and that is nothing but good news for the students of today and of the future.
Technology has many different effects on education, one of them being enhancing the students learning. Technology may enhance the students learning and may assist most students in achieving their academic standards. When technology and appropriate teaching methods are combined, technology may increase the academic achievement. Positive effects have been found in all major subject areas, from preschool to higher education, both regular and special needs students. Educational technology has been found to have a positive effect on a student’s attitude toward learning and on self-concepts. The introduction of technology into the learning environment has allowed the learning to be more student-centered, to encourage group learning, and helps to stimulate an increase in the student-teacher interaction. Technology has shown a shift from a focus on a student’s memorization to their problem solving. Through technology’s use, learning opportunities have become unrestricted by time or place, allowing lifelong learning. Student use of technology through communications can also help to enhance access to a career and continued education. Students are more likely to use a computer to get help because they can to it themselves. Technology is helping students to become independent.