Tech Class
An article in The Monterey County Herald presents the viewpoints of students in regards to computers in the classroom. One students states, “rarely do computers help people learn. I think a good teacher and books really make the difference.” He also felt the computers do not allow for hand-on experiments that help students to understand concepts. “I think computers are just a waste of money that could be better spent on more lab materials.” The sentiments of many schools is that the need to get supercomputers is motivated by pride, to show off their school’s technology.Some other student’s voiced the disadvantages of PowerPoint in the classroom.The teachers may get less feedback from the class because the teacher’s and the students’ eyes are all on the screen rather than looking at each other.
Teachers also agree that there are possible consequences in computerized classrooms. Their major concern involves limiting students to the opportunities to develop social and interpersonal skills, possibly creating social problems in the future. Teachers and students agree that there must be a balance to the mode of instruction--use of computers and pen/paper--for a healthy learning environment.
Little real-world research on the impact of technology on education exists. Test scores have never been proven to be higher, except in schools where teachers were provided training. One such school that implements this strategy is the tiny Port Hueneme School District in Ventura County. Blackstock Junior High has emerged as a national model for the way computers are used to help children learn science, history, English and math. The school has one computer for every two children. Test scores are rising and grades are improving. “Using state and federal grants, the school gave several teachers a year off with pay to redesign their curricula to incorporate computers” (Banks & Renwick). I assumed students were more likely to be motivated with computer designed instruction and...
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