Computer Technology In Schools
Computer Technology In Schools
Using a computer isn't just a skill, although it does involve a lot of skill. More than that, however, is a completely new way of thinking. People with computer technology in schools when they are growing up have a big advantage over inner-city or rural kids with less computer facilities in their classrooms. The computer technology in school today has really been pushed by the computer tech schools and university IT programs. Public schools are always perpetually caught between two desires. On the one hand, they want to provide a sort of classical education, instructing kids in the high points of society and culture, and history and art, and in communication and logical thinking. On the other hand, public schools are supposed to prepare the citizens of tomorrow for the jobs of tomorrow. Without computer technology in schools, many people believe they are failing at this mandate.
Of course, this argument has two sides. Many people believe that computer education has gone too far and that there is something to be said for good old textbooks, paper, and writing assignments. They believe that the technology we have is little more than expensive toys for education, and that we should get back to the basics of curriculum. After all, they counter, how much has learning changed? Don't the same processes still go into education as always have? Why should students be asked to think in a different manner just because there are computers?
People on the other side counter that computer technology in schools can be effectively integrated with new technology. Students can learn how to think logically from learning how to program computers as easily as they can by studying philosophy. The difference is that learning to program will get them a career in the future, whereas learning the history of philosophy won't necessarily do that. They also argue that there is room for both in schools. By making parts of computer technology in schools elective another parts compulsory, they can allow students to choose how much computer tech they want in their educations.
What no one disagrees about is the fact that some basic computer technology in schools is essential, even indispensable. No one debates the value of the word processor, e-mail, or some online resources. The fact that you can look up a book at the library before you even go there instead of having to drive down and dig through the card catalog, for example, saves countless people lots and lots of time. Being able to communicate at the speed of light with experts in other countries is another advantage of computer technology in schools. It also helps parent-teacher communications, allowing parents and teachers to correspond with each other more easily and more fluidly.
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