School Computer Costs

Term Paper # 102629

Computer and Technology
Education > Administration
Education > Education and Computers
Education > Theory

This paper looks at the issue of computer-based technology and discusses the hidden costs of school computers.

1,885 words () | 10 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that computer literacy is a necessity in the world today, especially in the business world and one of the roles of the school is to prepare students for entering that world. Many students are familiar with computers from their use at home, but one of the divides developing is between those who have a computer and access to the Internet and those who do not. The classroom is one place where this divide can be alleviated. The writer points out that school districts recognize the need and have been purchasing computers and the needed software and have been making the computer part of the classroom experience. The writer notes that the cost of this can be high and discusses that there are also hidden costs to implementing such a system that districts may not recognize. The writer maintains that there may be costs to the students as well in terms of developing a different relationship with the classroom and adapting to the instructional methods. The writer concludes that the added costs for the school district are the major concern and that the district has to recognize some of these costs and be prepared to pay them. The bibliography includes a brief description of each source.

From the Paper:

"Technology assists in these methods by providing projects to be developed, aiding in the process of inquiry, and developing and solving problems. Computer-based technology is particularly well-suited to the needs of students in these types of learning environment, answering many of the questions raised and shaping the way the student approaches material. For the most part, however, K-12 schools in the United States have not felt the expected positive impact of technology as they should, as Norris and Soloway note as they cite reports from different parts of the country showing that while American schools have more technology than any other country's schools, student achievement does not show that this has increased learning to the degree predicted. The authors find that one reason for this is because the six conditions cited above have not been fulfilled, with problems with access being one of the major failures .."

Sample of Sources Used:

Beem, Kate. "Tech Support: Whether Using Inside or Outside Help, Districts Need to Gauge Total Cost of Ownership." School Administrator 59 (June 2002). March 25, 2007. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000766184.
Brett, Arlene, Gary N. McCloskey, and Eugene F. Provenso Jr. Computers, Curriculum, and Cultural Change: An Introduction for Teachers. Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum, 1999.
"Cerritos, Calif. School Provides Internet Access for the Whole Class." T H E Journal (1 Oct 1998). March 25, 2007. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-53460068.html.
Chaika, Gloria. "Surplus Computers: Are They a Godsend - or Trash?" Education World (19 December 2000). March 19, 2007. http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech063.shtml.
Crane, Elizabeth. "Independence in the Palms of Their Hands." Curriculum Administrator 37(4)(April 2001), retrieved March 17, 2007 from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000975513