Camille Suguitan
Eng.116
12/20/13
FINAL: Technology and Education
As the generations grow accustomed to the latest technological innovations, why not intricate
the latest trend of tablets to create a better way to educate our thriving students? Children these
days are so consumed with the current gadgets that they can possibly maneuver the device with
eyes closed. There are many research organizations that have been supporting the collision of
these immaculate innovations with education. Can tablets revolutionize education for students
from K-12? Peter Suciu, article author of “Harvard-Smithsonian study says “iPad” can help
students learn” and Ashley Wainwright, the author of “17 Pros and Cons of Using iPads in the
classroom” both deliberately agree that the usage of iPad tablets can be beneficial to students.
However, Sandy Banks of Los Angeles Times disagree with this matter; testifying that the
tablets will only cause unnecessary commotion for the school districts.
According to Peter Suciu’s article Harvard- Smithsonian study says iPad can help
students learn, school districts from Bedford, Massachusetts are eulogizing their recent
investments on the iPad tablets. “Since we began using iPads, we have seen substantial gains
in learning, especially in subjects like math and science” remarks principal Henry Tumer of
Bedford High School. iPads created a different learning environment for the students, allowing
them to improve their understanding of stimulating subjects. With tablets being a portable
computer, students can grasp more knowledge pertaining to their lecture in the classrooms.
Giving them an opportunity to research more into the subject and acquire online help in an
instant if they need further explanations due to the Internet. One must admit that, there are
certain subjects that need more understanding than a traditional textbook and classroom
session. “Finding suggest that the [tablets] can improve students understanding of challenging
scientific concepts” by giving students a stronger mean to understand simulations. Having an
access to other facts other than what the textbook teaches itself can be very beneficial to those
who have trouble learning. Students have an effortless access to videos, charts, articles or
examples to help with their education. This revolutionary merger has a great potential to benefit
students in scientific and mathematical fields.
The tablet merger isn’t only for the benefits of the students’ education, but also to benefit
their whole being as a student. In the article, “17 Pros and Cons of using iPads in the
classroom” by Ashley Wainwright, she elaborates more on why iPad tablets can be useful to
grasp student’s attention, to slowly deteriorate communication barriers and minimize the usage
of textbooks. Any child given a new toy, will instantly feel gratification and amusement; same
with students! Any student given a chance to use technology in a classroom will most definitely
take the devices to it’s fullest potential. “Students love them! Even the most stubborn students
are excite and engaged” with the new technology. These tablets are undoubtedly grasping
much attention within the schools, giving the student’s a positive attitude towards this research.
Having students who aren’t at the peak of the communication boat will also given a chance to
redeem themselves through the usages of the tablets. Those who have difficulty speaking can
type out their opinions just like how a text message would be used. No only can it provide a way
of communicating, but it can also be used as a tool for student to participate in class. “With the
iPad, students can communicate [with] the teachers and other students instantly,” remarked
Ashley. The tablets can also displace the usage of actual textbooks in class. This alteration can
be used as a platform for e-textbooks, giving anyone access to a full book within the tablet. Not
only will it conserve innumerable consumption of paper, but it can also help students stray away
from those backbreaking backpacks! Not only is this breakthrough educational but
environmental as well.
Despite the many positive aspects of having tablets being utilized in classrooms, there
are also negative connotations with this progression. Sandy Banks of The Los Angeles Times
claims that these technological breakthroughs will only be beneficial to students who deserve
them. These “deserving” students happen to be from rural places where technology innovations
aren’t as common in huge developed cities. The more students are well adapted to technology,
the more they will take these innovations for granted; which creates a retrograde towards the
merge. If a student is exposed to these type of technology, the more likely that they will use it for
their own personal leisure (ei. social networking or games) and will be a great disruption in
class. Because “the iPad is a symbol of economic and social status as it is a classroom learning
tool” high schoolers can bypass any security features to access off limit sites or steal it for
themselves. “ L.A. Superintendent John Deasy says “the issue is not money, not deployment,
not training, not financing. It’s, ‘Yes or no, do these kids deserve this?”
Tablets can revolutionize education; the question is which type of students will benefit
most from it? iPad tablets have become a revolutionary tool amongst education, however
teachers should take considerations on specific local sites these technological advances are
introduced. Studies show that tablets can benefit students who aren’t technologically savvy
rather that students from well-developed cities. This whole technology and education merge
was specifically to level the playing field for disadvantaged students.