The Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom

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The Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom

There are both positive and negative changes in the education genre as far as computer technology is concerned. In this paper, I will give my personal views on both the positive and negative changes, along with quotes of the views of some professionals. I will also reference some of the myths, and the realities to those myths, about computer technology and its effects on education.

First of all, I feel that computers are a positive aspect, for the most part, in the education of children. When, prior to computers, students had to learn most everything via memorization or lecture and notes, they now have the opportunity for more “hands-on” learning. I believe that this type of learning helps the education process because I feel people, not just children, learn more when they attempt a task and succeed, or fail, at it on their own.

Computers also help students learn cooperative learning habits, or learning with one another. This, in turn, helps the teacher be more of a guide than a lecturer. The classroom becomes more of a group effort. The students feel more a part of the curriculum. Also, with computers, teachers have the ability to help students who speak English as a second language, or do not speak it at all. The teacher can look to the internet for help from websites or from their peers online.

I also feel that computers help students with learning disabilities complete work at their own pace, which in turn makes them feel more a part of the crowd, instead of someone who is holding the rest of the crowd back. It helps them keep up a little easier with the classroom curriculum.

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... in the education genre. Although there are negative drawbacks, in my opinion, the positive aspects definitely outweigh the negatives. As long as future educators are properly trained, and students use computer technology more for learning purposes than for leisure, the computer-aided education world will have a positive outlook.

Bibliography

“Why Computers Have Not Saved the Classroom”, Bob Blaisdell, October 14, 2003, http://www.csmonitor.com

The Flickering Mind: The False Promise of Technology in the Classroom, Todd Oppenheimer, Random House Publishing, 512 pages

“Myths and Realities about Technology in the Classroom”, Glenn M. Kleiman, Apr-June 2000, http://www.edc.org

[1] www.edc.org

[2] Myths and Realities about Technology in K-12 Schools

[3] www.csmonitor.com

[4] The Flickering Mind: The False Promise of Technology in the Classroom

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