Effectiveness

The question "what can a computer do that I can't" must be asked by every teacher planning to use one in the classroom. Things like science simulations, or new ways of presenting ideas are good reasons for introducing computers into a school classroom. However, substituting in a computer for a real life person, teaching things like reading and writing, is a sure way to supply an insubstantial or incomplete education

For technology to be truly effective all students need to have equal access. One or two computers will not cut it if the goal is to enhance learning with computer-based programs.


This top remark is one of the most important pieces of information for this iSearch. If computers are just being thrown at students because teachers are being pressured into using them, then this is playing a dangerous game with kid's educations. Computers are supposed to enrich and broaden education, not be some high tech "Phonics Alive" program. Science has shown that there are teaching methods that work, and teachers should not abandon these practices because now there is a shiny new screen on their desk. Rather, the computer can now become a different form of expression of a display of mastery. Education has not changed, and kids still need a human being standing in front of a class.





Not too long ago, when computers were first being introduced into schools there was a mad rush to get the latest and greatest. This is still happening. The problem is that many teachers do not receive the proper training and are just using the same old lesson plan and instead of paper and pencil kids are now using word processors and the Internet. This does not add anything to a student's education. I think this is where the excuse of "the computer is not working right" comes into play. Teachers who are not familiar with computers expect their students to suddenly perform better with a computer in front of them. They need to remember that while the computer is great, it is different and they may need to adjust to the computer just as much as the computer needs to be adjusted to work in a classroom.

Many educators are of the opinion that computers are actually doing more harm than good in the world right now. However, many agree that it is not because of the computer, but because of what teachers are doing with them. It is absolutely unhealthy to sit a kid down in front of a screen all day playing grammar games or watching experiments online, but it is not unhealthy to use a computer when it has tools not accessible through a pencil, paper, and an encyclopedia.