Computers: Do They Help or Hurt?

Paper Summary:

The paper presents the arguments against making technology courses mandatory, that focus on massive costs, unreliable and misleading research on the efficacy of computers, the loss of other important programs and radical changes that would need to take place. The paper therefore contends that American schools cannot afford to make the costly error of buying into the hype surrounding new technology.

Outline:
Introduction
Cost of Change
New Trend
Students with Different Needs
Scheduling Conflicts
Computers vs. Traditional Methods
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Computers have become more popular in classrooms than books in recent years, but are all this new technology really a good idea for students? The answer is no. When you consider the outrageous cost of supplying computers for all students, you'll realize that this is not a good way to help students. Also, past studies indicate that new technologies work better on paper than they do in reality (Computer Delusion). The reasons to keep mandatory technology programs out of schools outweigh the arguments in favor of making technology courses mandatory for all students. Computers could never and should never take the place of good teaching strategies. Mandatory technology and computer courses should never become a part of the American education system."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Armstrong, Alison. 26 August 2000. "Computers - Possible Negative Effects of Computer Use, Possible Positive Effects of Computer Use, Developmentally Appropriate Uses Of Computers". 8 May 2009. <http://social.jrank.org/pages/156/Computers.html>
• Norman, Jessy. 8 May 1999. "Negative Effects of Computers in Classrooms. Exposing the Debate over Computers in Education". 7 May 2009. <http://courses.wcupa.edu/fletcher/english121/projects/10b/jessy.htm>
• Oates, John. 12 September 2005. "Computers Bad for Kids". 6 May 2009. <http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2005/03/21/computers_bad_for_schools>
• Oppenheimer, Todd. 21 October 1997. "The Computer Delusion". The Atlantic Monthly-July 1997. 7 May 2009. <http://www.tnellen.com/ted/tc/computer.htm>

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