This document discusses the pros and cons of technology use in classrooms. It notes that while the number of students per computer has declined significantly from 1984 to 2005, problems exist with technology integration. These include technical difficulties that waste classroom time, ineffective usage, a lack of ongoing educator training, and a technology gap between rich and poor districts. Additionally, over-reliance on technology can diminish social skills and enable cheating. However, with careful planning and monitoring, technology can enhance traditional teaching when used as a supplemental tool.
6. Computers in schools
are multiplying:
During the 1984-85 school Students per computer in public schools
year, there were 63.5 students
for every one computer in 70
public schools. During the
1997-98 school year, there 52.5
were 6.3 students for every
computer. And in the 35
2004-2005 school year, there
were 4.0 students for every 17.5
computer.
Taken from: Computers in Public Schools — 0
Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/askeds/ 1984-1985 1997-1998 2004-2005
computers-public-schools.html#ixzz1SfRnDcnq
7.
8. To see how one
school uses
Computers and technology in
other various ways,
technological click here:
aids are being
increasingly used http://
in classrooms to
voicethread.com/
enhance
?#q+computers
learning.
+in
+school.b232280.
i1207851
10. But problems and dangers do exist...
Technical difficulties Potential for cheating
Inappropriate and Cyberbullying
ineffective usage
Cyber predators
Necessity of ongoing
educator training
Technology gap - rich vs.
poor
Dependency on technology
Diminishing social skills
11.
12. Research Purpose: The
goal of this research is to
determine, understand,
and suggest solutions for
the problems associated
with the use of technology
to educate.
13.
14. Technical problems hinder
teaching and learning. If
replacement computers aren't
available, valuable classroom
time is wasted. (Miles, 2011)
Technical Difficulties Is technology
enhancing well-thought out
lesson plans, or is it being used as
Ineffective Uses a substitute for quality,
interactive teaching?
Ongoing Training Required
Technology is improving
rapidly!Can district
training keep teachers
one step ahead of their
students?
16. The Technology Gap
Is technology affordable in
every district?
Is professional development
for all teachers possible?
Does every student have
access to a computer
outside of the classroom?
(Merrow, 2009)
17.
18. Dependency on Technology (Dare I say “Addiction?”)
For a discussion on
the future of children
growing up in this
technological age, go to:
http://voicethread.com/?#q
+dependence+on
+technology.b755163.i399883
3
(Gentile, 2004)
19. Decline in traditional
social skills, relationships
and activities
It is much more convenient to text someone or write on their
Facebook than it is to pick up the phone and call them or much
less, talk to them in person. (Payne, 2009)
Computers can alienate students from the teacher,
potentially causing them to learn less. (Stream,
2011)
20.
21. Cheating
Why bother writing an essay if I
can download one off the web?
if I can read a
Why bother reading summary online in
less than a
minute?
Why bother studying if my friend can
text me the answer?
(Merrow, 2009)
24. But what can we do? Finding some
solutions benefits both educators and
students alike. By understanding the
difficulties posed by technology in the
classroom, teachers can formulate ways
to solve the problems and enhance the
student’s learning environment with
safe and efficient uses of modern
teaching aids.
25. What Solutions?
Train teachers regularly
Give students access to school computers outside of
school
Educate parents to limit use for entertainment
purposes
Use technology creatively as enhancement to
learning, but let them play and socialize too
Monitor carefully to avoid cheating and
prevent danger
27. Conclusion
Technology: Friend or Foe?
“Ultimately, the quality of the class
Told you it
will depend solely on the quality
was both! of the teacher and not the
presence of technology.”
Hollowell, 2010
28. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Computers in public schools. Infoplease.com. (n.d.). Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free online
reference, research & homework help. Infoplease.com. Retrieved from http://www.infoplease.com/askeds/computers-public-schools.html
Cooper, M. (2011, July 1). Negative effects of laptops in high school | eHow.com. eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Trusted Advice for
the Curious Life | eHow.com. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8673968_negative-effects-laptops-high-school.html
Hollowell, K. (2010, July 27). Advantages and disadvantages of technology in education | eHow.com. eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More -
Trusted Advice for the Curious Life | eHow.com. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_4815039_advantages-disadvantages-
technology-education.html
Klopfer, E., Osterweil, S., Groff, J., & Haas, J. (n.d.). Using the technology of today, in the classroom today. MIT.edu. Retrieved from
education.mit.edu/papers/GamesSimsSocNets_EdArcade.pdf
LeClaire, J. (2006, September 6). Technology news: technology: kids and tech: how much is too much?. TechNewsWorld: All Tech - All The
Time. Retrieved from http://www.technewsworld.com/story/52677.html
Merrow, J. (2009, November 3). Technology in schools: problems & possibilities | Taking Note. Taking Note | Thoughts on Education from John
Merrow. Retrieved from http://takingnote.learningmatters.tv/?p=3261
Miles, S. (n.d.). The disadvantages of laptops in an elementary classroom | eHow.com. eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Trusted Advice
for the Curious Life | eHow.com. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5503182_disadvantages-laptops-elementary-classroom.html
Payne, M. (2010, August 16). Social skills fading away due to technology - Opinion - Apache Pow Wow - Tyler Junior College . Apache Pow
Wow - Tyler Junior College. Retrieved from http://www.tjcnewspaper.com/2.10991/social-skills-fading-away-due-to-technology-1.1529355
Stream, C. (2011, June 15). The advantage & disadvantage of technology in classrooms | eHow.com. eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More -
Trusted Advice for the Curious Life | eHow.com. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8595942_advantage-disadvantage-
technology-classrooms.html
Tomlinson, S. (n.d.). Disadvantages of computers in the classroom. eHow Family. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/
about_4607245_disadvantages-computers-classroom.html//
APA formatting by BibMe.org.
