Technology in Schools 1

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 absent clear 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.  Many parents are hesitant to support technology when the class sizes will increase, providing for less specialized attention to their child.

Teachers have found that the clear advantage of technology it the ability for students to write their ideas easier, edit quicker and share their work. However, some instructors found that computes 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.

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.  For now there is no good way of judging the true potential of technology in the academic world.