Computers as Educational Tools

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the computer has gone from a thing of science laboratories to a home appliance as common as the toaster and how this same power has influenced politicians to implement strategies that will make way for computers in the classroom at a cost. The paper questions how far we will go and how much we will surrender in the process of welcoming the computer into the classroom. The writer uses personal experiences had throughout and scholarly opinions to illuminate the reality of computers as educational tools and their limitations.

From the Paper:

"Looking at the cycle of technologies failing to fulfill their great expectations it is important to examine where the connection between the promise and the outcome was lost. Author Larry Cuban published a book titled Teachers and Machines: The Use of Classroom Technology Since 1920, which analyzes the predictable nature of new technologies in education. He argues that the cycle begins with the promise of a revolutionized classroom, however, teachers never fully adopt the new tools and no significant academic improvement is seen. Following the inconclusive results blame is placed on funding, teacher resistance and school bureaucracy. Rarely were the original technology advocates' claims questioned. Eventually blame was laid on the machine itself, a new technology arose and the cycle re-started. The question then becomes who or what is truly to blame for the constant malfunction of the integration of technologies into the classroom."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beech, Linda & Shalaway, Linda. Learning to Teach:--Not just for Beginners: he Essential Guide for All Teachers. Teaching Resources Scholastic, 1998.
• Cuban, Larry. Teachers and Machines: The Classroom Use of Technology Since 1920. Teachers College Press, 1986. http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/

More papers on Computers as Educational Tools:

• Essay # 26407 : "Computers and Education"
• Research Proposal # 47239 : "Computers in Elementary Education"
• Essay # 25344 : "Computers and Technology In Education"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: