Are Computers in Schools Worthwhile?
Few would argue that computers and the web are useful tools, but do they help school children learn the fundamentals? A series of articles from The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel explore this issue.
Part one "Is technology in schools the future or just a fad?" Wisconsin's public schools now have 1 computer for every 3 students. Is it improving education for the students? The article reports that the results are mixed. The primary uses involve web searching and Powerpoint presentations. Also, skill-drilling software has become popular in an attempt to improve standardized test scores.
This question about the usefulness of computers in schools was debated on this shashdot thread.
In part two "Schools must weigh cost vs. benefits of technology", the cost and funding of computers in schools are reviewed. Tax-funded programs for schools are drying up, and many schools can't fund the maintenance of the computers, networks and software.
A state representative interviewed by the reporter made an important point:
He asks why this hasn't this happened in education.
My Opinion
In my opinion, computers and the web have not yet been effectively used in a widespread fashion. The potential to help education is great for not only adults but also for young children. As the representative said, the quality should rise and the cost should fall.
My Example: Using the Web in Education
Here's an example of mine on how the web can be used to help students learn. This could be useful for all grades. Instead of just using the web to find information, students would be instructed on using it to build on subjects. Web and blogging technology would be great for documenting science and history projects.
Students would learn not only about linking to references, but the concept of building upon the work of others. Science and history projects of previous students would be online and available for students to learn from, link to, and build upon. Each new class would be encourage to build on the work of others.
Impact of Education on History
This is perhaps one of the most important abilities of mankind. Basically, it's learning from others, applying it, and building upon it. Without this simple concept, mankind would still be in the stone age.
PBS had a documentary series called Guns, Germs, and Steel. The author examined why certain civilizations in history grew powerful and were able to dominate others. One important factor was having time to learn from others. This included the proces of making steel for tools and weapons which took several generations to perfect. Also, it included the development of writing which allowed people to learn from others.
The process of learning from others and building upon it is where the web can have a major impact on mankind's educational endeavors. Being able to quickly access, reference, and interact with information will allow this building process to expand more rapidly than any time in human history.
Technorati Tags: education, online learning
Part one "Is technology in schools the future or just a fad?" Wisconsin's public schools now have 1 computer for every 3 students. Is it improving education for the students? The article reports that the results are mixed. The primary uses involve web searching and Powerpoint presentations. Also, skill-drilling software has become popular in an attempt to improve standardized test scores.
This question about the usefulness of computers in schools was debated on this shashdot thread.
In part two "Schools must weigh cost vs. benefits of technology", the cost and funding of computers in schools are reviewed. Tax-funded programs for schools are drying up, and many schools can't fund the maintenance of the computers, networks and software.
A state representative interviewed by the reporter made an important point:
In every other area of the economy of our society, technology has done two things: It's improved quality, and it's lowered personnel costs.
He asks why this hasn't this happened in education.
My Opinion
In my opinion, computers and the web have not yet been effectively used in a widespread fashion. The potential to help education is great for not only adults but also for young children. As the representative said, the quality should rise and the cost should fall.
My Example: Using the Web in Education
Here's an example of mine on how the web can be used to help students learn. This could be useful for all grades. Instead of just using the web to find information, students would be instructed on using it to build on subjects. Web and blogging technology would be great for documenting science and history projects.
Students would learn not only about linking to references, but the concept of building upon the work of others. Science and history projects of previous students would be online and available for students to learn from, link to, and build upon. Each new class would be encourage to build on the work of others.
Impact of Education on History
This is perhaps one of the most important abilities of mankind. Basically, it's learning from others, applying it, and building upon it. Without this simple concept, mankind would still be in the stone age.
PBS had a documentary series called Guns, Germs, and Steel. The author examined why certain civilizations in history grew powerful and were able to dominate others. One important factor was having time to learn from others. This included the proces of making steel for tools and weapons which took several generations to perfect. Also, it included the development of writing which allowed people to learn from others.
The process of learning from others and building upon it is where the web can have a major impact on mankind's educational endeavors. Being able to quickly access, reference, and interact with information will allow this building process to expand more rapidly than any time in human history.
Technorati Tags: education, online learning
posted by Ken | 3:51 PM
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