Many classrooms are banking their future and reputation on technology. An article on the New York Times states that “Classrooms are decked out with laptops, big interactive screens and software that drills students on every basic subject.” Schools spend billions of dollars on technology, with little proof that it is improving basic learning.
There is no proof that technology improves basic learning. Learning trials are very hard to conduct due to differences in schools and classes and the rapid changes in the technological world. “The data is pretty weak. It’s very difficult when we’re pressed to come up with convincing data,” said Tom Vander Ark, to the New York Times.
In the Kyrene School District, the spending on technology has grown, however the district’s budget has shrunk and teachers are being laid off, resulting in bigger classes and fewer periods of art, music and physical education. Limiting extra-curricular activities, in my opinion, is not beneficial because not every student learns the same way. The alternative methods allow for different learning styles to flourish. Many parents also express their concerns in increased class sizes, resulting in less specialized attention to their children.
There is no proof that technology improves basic learning. Learning trials are very hard to conduct due to differences in schools and classes and the rapid changes in the technological world. “The data is pretty weak. It’s very difficult when we’re pressed to come up with convincing data,” said Tom Vander Ark, to the New York Times.
In the Kyrene School District, the spending on technology has grown, however the district’s budget has shrunk and teachers are being laid off, resulting in bigger classes and fewer periods of art, music and physical education. Limiting extra-curricular activities, in my opinion, is not beneficial because not every student learns the same way. The alternative methods allow for different learning styles to flourish. Many parents also express their concerns in increased class sizes, resulting in less specialized attention to their children.
I feel that the Kyrene School District would benefit greatly in spending their resources not only in technology, but also in their teaching staff until there is a direct correlation between technology and increased learning. They are putting almost all of their resources into one area that has not been proven to have a positive impact on learning.
Teachers have found that the clear advantage of technology is the ability for students to write their ideas easier, edit quicker and share their work. However, some instructors found that computers provide a less personalized or intimate experience. “There is a connection between the physical hand on the paper and the words on the page,” said Ms. Furman to the New York Times.
Technology can also fall short in learning facilities because it is a distraction for all ages. I have found that most college students that bring their computers to class often end up surfing the web and social networking sites. This not only distracts that individual from learning, but also every individual behind them.
There is no doubt that computers can make learning more appealing, but test scores have not improved. Reading and Math scores have remained the same in the Kyrene School District since 2005. It may not be that technology isn’t aiding in the learning process, but rather it is helping students learn different things that haven’t been tested yet. For now there is no good way of judging the true potential of technology in the academic world.
