The Evolution and Use of Technology in Education of the 21st Century
In the 21st century, society has become increasingly dependent on technology. Nearly all aspects of our lives are adapting to encompass technology, and public education is no exception. As public educators are deciding what technologies to bring into the classroom it is important to consider whether the technology is economical, if it will improve the quality of the education, and what the technology's impact on student social interactions will be. As the US government is tightening its budget, schools are losing more and more money and it is important for them to remember this while making decisions.
Rotstein champions the idea of technology in the classroom and brags about the absence of textbooks in the classrooms of "Empire High School". The news article reassures that there was not "a funding crisis" (Source A) at the school and tells us that 340 computers were purchased. The benefits of using computers and not textbooks are numerous. The main economical one is that digital textbooks are cheaper than physical ones, perhaps making the purchasing of these computers a highly economical decision that will pay off later on down the road. Before this benchmark is reached however it is likely a new model of the computer will be available, and it is possible that digital textbooks will only be compatible with the newest technology forcing the school to make yet another costly investment in the technological department. Delaney informs us that the use of technology in a classroom setting is widespread and effective. When schools purchase large numbers of computers it is often fairly easy for them to work a deal with the manufacturer of the computer, making the purchase cheaper. The sources support the argument that if the purchasing of new technology is closely monitored, it could not only be economically affordable, it could also be economically profitable.
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The most important job that schools are tasked with is education. If technology replaces conventional methods of learning schools should be confident that it will lead to a more productive education for the entire school body as a whole. Johnson preaches the "easy flow of the word processor" (Source D) and praises the benefits of technology in his daily life as a writer.
If students are able to more efficiently put their thoughts into words, they can more effectively achieve a higher education. Gelernter argues that the "web is a propaganda machine for short attention ps" (Source E) in which students learn to become disinterested quickly, leading to a less productive education. As more and more children in America are becoming diagnosed with ADHD and ADD it is very possible and likely that technology could be having a profound impact on students focusing skills. Dyson worries that technology could "seriously mess up children's informational metabolism" (Source C) which is essential to education. It is critical that students in school learn to read, understand, and analyze texts presented to them, and if technology hinders this ability then it is a highly detrimental force in the face of education.
One of the other important jobs that schools are held to is facilitating social interaction and participation in the community. In Delaney's promotion of technology in the classrooms he brags about "kids [practicing] foreign languages in electronic forums"(Source B). Electronic forums are areas on the web where students talk and discuss ideas with each other, and it is possible to use other forms of technology with forums so that you can use cameras to video chat with other members on these forums. These forums allow otherwise shy and reserved students to voice their thoughts and allow other classmates to see these thoughts. The cartoon illustrates a child with his back hunched over alone in a dark, prison like, room with only a computer. This clearly does not support technology as a social medium. I think this is ridiculous you see on college campus thousands of students with their laptops in the sunshine enjoying a drink with friends, while working on school work. Computers do not replace other forms of communication, they simply serve as another medium for communication.
In conclusion the most important factors that schools should consider while contemplating the idea of purchasing new technology for educational purposes are whether the technology is economical, if it will improve the quality of the education, and what the technology's impact on student social interactions will be.
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