Vannesa J. Montalban
CPU as a Teacher’s Aide
Professor Barse
Week 2: Technology Article Review
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Having Computers in the Classroom
Our society revolves around technology and learning how to use a computer is a
requirement that many jobs want from their employees. Some students may only have a
chance to be familiarized with computers in their school because of their economic status.
Educators are responsible for preparing their students to be prominent in a competitive job
market by giving them computer skills that will help them succeed. However, there have been
arguments that computers should not be in a classroom. Some parents and teachers think that
their children obtain enough technology at home with their own computers and television.
They also believe that the teaching should be left to the teacher, not a computer.
Computers are filled with programs that are geared to help the student develop
important skills such as word processing, critical thinking, problem solving, and foster
independent learning (Noton, 2012). These programs focus on one student at a time and can
provide them with individualized attention.
They can receive instant feedback when
completing test/quizzes, which can motivate them to keep learning. Students can also use
computers to finalize their work (writing a paper) or find information on a topic of interest with
the internet. They can help students excel in their studies because of the unlimited information
that a computer can supply.
On the other hand, students lose hands-on experiences by being on the computer
throughout the day. When they have a computer in front of them, they lose focus on the
teacher due to the programs that are designed to capture the attention of the student.
Computers may have instant feedback, however, “this feedback is not often as effective as it
might be, perhaps because it I not easy to return the original question to try again or the
student must begin at the beginning to review the original content rather then backing up a
step or two” (Criss, 2012). Computers are also costly and instead of spending money on
computers, the school can be spending their funds on other expenses.
Both sides of the arguments have great points on how computers can benefit or not
benefit a student while being in school. In my opinion, I feel that it can benefit the student
more than it can hurt them. A student is not being put in front of a computer for an entire
lesson; it is used for free time or research. Free time can be a reward to student that can be as
an incentive for them doing well in class, whether it is academically or behaviorally. Research
can be quick and easy by using a computer rather than looking through books to find
information. Classrooms do not replace books with computers; on the contrary, they are
encouraging students to read by implementing programs such as 100-book challenge. Overall, I
believe that computers are beneficial to a classroom setting.
Works Cited
Beahan, Kelly. Reflection of Technology in a Classroom. PowerPoint.
https://www.msu.edu/~beahank1/inquiryProject.ppt
Criss, Katie. Disadvantages of Computers in a Classroom. 2012.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Disadvantages-of-Computers-in-the-Classroom&id=175360
Noton, A. Benefits of Computers in a Classroom. 2012.
http://www.isnare.com/pdf.php?aid=572543