As people continually live their lives, they will always progressively get better at everything. Nobody moves to the next step in anything without accomplishing the previous step. It is crucial for every learner to understand and take in the information, in the correct order at hand. Many people would agree that kids in today’s world, are becoming better learners and thinkers due to more efficient technology. However, many other individuals, including David Gelernter, believe that this is actually reducing the education system in the United States. This is due from students skipping steps in the learning process because children can quickly and easily get answers instead of making the student work towards the answer.
In David Gelernter’s essay “Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom”, he praises that while the idea of computers in classrooms has the potential to be very
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beneficial in the learning process, technology in schools truly provide an inconvenient decline in the actual learning.
He explains that computers give answers to too easily and that the child should work towards the answer themselves. Gelernter goes on in his essay and discusses the three main problems with computers in classrooms. The first issue is the steady decline of reading. Gelernter says that “The idea of multimedia is to combine text, sound and pictures in a single package that you browse on the screen” (Gelernter 1). What he’s saying is that multimedia is a mix of word, sound and picture that when put together, turns into a video. Students will start to consider watching videos as a prime option instead of reading out of books. The second problem is the further development of bad speaking skills. Gelernter uses hypermedia as an example, by turning a book on a screen into hypertext. This hypertext will make the reader focus on the words of the story, instead of the actual story. Writers don’t simply put words on paper; they think long and hard about their word choices. The issue with using
hypermedia is that students will not fully comprehend the article and will only get the fundamental points of the article. The final obstacle is the basic skill. Gelernter mentions that there are pre-installed default programs on the computer, which give easy and fast warnings when there are spelling, grammar and format errors. These errors can be quickly fixed by a push of a button. These features will cause students to not have the ability to correct their own spelling errors which in the long-run, will develop bad habits and study patterns. Throughout Gelernter’s essay, he effectively uses logos and ethos, to support his argument that computers in classrooms by students can have a negative effect on the way they learn. Gelernter uses logos effectively throughout his essay. He uses logos to show his logical standpoint to better support his arguments. This is seen about halfway into his work when he explains that when teachers can teach to children without the need to of a computer, they learn much better. He says that “Teaching children to understand the orderly unfolding of a plot of logical argument is a crucial part of education” (Gelernter 2). What Gelernter means is that in order for children to get the best education possible, they need to be taught by a person with knowledge and not by a box with a glowing screen. Another example that he talks about is how the standard programs that are pre-installed on computers can make children create bad learning habits. Programs such as auto-correct and grammar checkers. Gelernter mentions that “These programs correct spelling and, by applying canned grammatical and stylistic rules, fix pose. In terms of promoting basic skills, though, they have all the virtues of a pocket calculator” (Gelernter 2). He’s relating the programs on the computer, to be a cheating go-to route. The logical arguments that he presents are very effective because they bring a wide presentative on a certain topic that no one has ever seen before. Another appeal that the author uses is ethos. He uses ethos to show his credible standpoint to better support his arguments. This is seen towards the end of into his essay when he uses outside sources to help support his argument. He brings up a case study that was reported by The Wall Street Journal, that details about a group of school children from Kentucky, who were mixed together to see if there was any difference in the classes computation test scores. It showed that there was a ten percent drop in one school, even with the use of calculators. When the report was revealed to the public, a Japanese educator told a mathematician from the University of Wisconsin, that in their country they don’t use calculators in their elementary schools. He states that the reason why the Japanese dominates other countries in math is because, “Calculators are not used in elementary or junior high school because the primary emphasis is on helping students develop their mental abilities” (Gelernter 2). This is a prime example Gelernter’s argument, that children should not be using computers so much, especially at such a young age. If Japan’s education rankings are so high, it’s most likely because of their strategy to not depend so much on technological resources to do all the work. The credible sources that Gelernter presents are quite effective because all of his sources have recognized this same problem. He has given himself credibility, which the reader will be more optimistic with what the writer has to say. In Conclusion, Gelernter uses logos and ethos effectively to explain to the audience that there are negative effects on children that use computers in classrooms. His use of logical thinking has helped the reader better understand the situation, by presenting his points clearly and within reason. He also uses outside sources to support his argument to help the reader become more invested in what he has to say. In the end, Gelernter successfully made a valid point and has given a good reason why his concerns should be considered. Maybe children really shouldn’t be using the computer in classrooms so much.
Over the past few decades technology has advanced quite a bit. The use of calculators, computers, and other techniques in many fields has increased significantly. In a large scale, technology is replacing the method of instruction in the field of education. Many people believe that adopting technology in learning process can increase productivity. However, David Gelernter, who is a professor at Yale University as well as a leading figure in the field of technology, suggests to limit the use of technology in the classroom in his article “Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom” which was published in the New Republic magazine in 1994. In this article he offers well illustrated analysis which makes the readers to regulate the use of technology in the classroom. He thinks that the technology comes in a way of building strong foundation of basic skills. He insists that computers should be used to aid the learning process, not to replace cognitive thinking.
David Gelernter author of the essay, “Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom,” used some rhetorical appeals but not many in his essay, whilst trying to logically persuade his audience that computers could be utilized in the classroom, but under certain stipulations. Gelernter has great credibility for speaking on education and technology, as he is a professor of computer science at Yale University, so he more than anyone should know the outcomes of using a computer as a tool while teaching. However, when it comes to technology a lot of older generations usually are pretty biased when discussing technologies advancements, Gelernter still had some very good points! Using computers while teaching our young children can be useful but with strict moderations; when, where, and why, because if not heavily monitored, computers could be extremely detrimental to the learning experience and processes for many students.
Andrew Zucker examines computer use in the United States in both elementary and secondary education. It addresses issues such as teacher training, technology availability at home and in schools, and current technology projects that were ongoing at this time. The article ends by discussing computer usage in schools in a larger context, which provides a different perspective on educational technology.
Do you ever think about how much technology has changed the way we work, learn, play, and even think? Technology is a major beneficiary to society; especially in the classroom where we get the opportunity to learn and grow. In recent years, schools have begun implementing tablets and other devices in the classroom to better student’s education. The use of technology in the classroom provides more of a personalized learning experience and gives students a widespread availability to engage in learning. Technology is necessary in today’s modern globe, it is basically “the pen and paper of our time and the lens through which we experience much of our world” (Warlick, 2013). Technology is not just considered the “internet”, it is so much greater than that. Overall, it enhances the quality of education and engages students deeper than ever before. With all the significant gains, why would people argue that technology hinders students more than it helps? Critics may try to repute the use of technology in the classroom but I believe what really matters “is the way we use it, the context that we use it in, and the learners who we use it for” (Chong, 2012).
The world is constantly moving forward. Our societies are in search for the newest advancement, and our children are drawn to the latest technology. It seems as though our current technology could replace our fundamental education, such as the power of a calculator. The answer is just a click away. Not to mention our daily reliance on computers. I wonder sometimes how the world operated a couple of decades ago when computers and cell phones weren’t commonly used. I have to admit technology has truly made our lives easier and saved tremendous amount of our time by its efficiency. However, technology should never substitute the fundamental learning in our educational systems. Specifically in the primary school, building a firm fundamental education is crucial. Seeing children still using fingers to do simple math in second grade is not a good sign of academic improvement. Though the students may easily figure out the answers by ...
New opportunities for young children often increase their understanding of how the world works. The early years are the most important to provide a solid base for learning in the future. Each aspect of learning has to connect with the experience of the child’s life. The computer also has to connect with what the child is learning throughout the curriculum of school. Computers help children learn about new things that can enhance their development. The computer alone doesn’t cause the learning, but it helps the teacher to facilitate learning.
In our new technology advanced school systems, schools are introducing more technology and least pencils starting in the first grade. Versus reading a book and writing a review, children are learning to Google research papers submitting them without any effort. This is preventing children from learning the basic writing skills needed in society. High School students can calculate math problems with a scientific calculator but can not perform basic math problems in their head. Children are using cell phones in class to photo tests and text to their friends. Cell phones have created a learning crutch at an early age. College students are using credit cards and laptops to breeze thru college. Students are able to obtain lengthy essay’s on line with daddy’s credit card, down load the essay onto a laptop, tweak it, run it through spell check, grammar check, plagiarism check, and submit for a grade, in less than two hours. Technology is a powerful tool to introduce at an early age, but children must be taught to learn, apply effort, and use brain power before utilizing technology. This is as equal to eating desert before the meal.
Technology has changed many aspects of our lives, so why should we expect less of the classroom atmosphere? Technology in the classroom has changed the way students learn and the way teachers teach. Technology today is integrated into the classroom as a teaching tool rather than being taught as a course. There are many ways that technology is used in today’s classroom such as the World Wide Web, Power Point, and Excel (Starr, 2011). Teachers will continue to be the most important aspect of a child’s education because they teach and technology does not. The use of technology in the classroom can bring advantages to a child’s education but can also bring disadvantages (Cleaver, 2011).
Andy Carvin states “ internet access in schools isn’t worth a hill of beans if teachers aren’t prepared to take full advantage of technology” (2000). Schools spend a lot of money on computer hardware and software as well as other technologies without realizing that many of their employees are unprepared to include them in their teaching and use them to their advantages. Educators often use technology as a classroom management tool rather than an educational one, allowing computer time as a reward for good behavior (Clark & Gorski, 2001). The problem with this is that students learn to use the computer for games and such because it is their reward instead of using it on their own time for educational purposes. This is teaching them the wrong idea. Margaret Honey, director of the Center for Children and Technology in NYC said it best, “The bottom line is, you don’t just put technology into schools or into homes and expect miracles to happen. The technology is only as good as the program that surrounds it” (Meyer, 2002, p.2).
The Impact of Computers on Education Technology is all around us these days. If you don't understand the basics of computers and how to run one, your choices of jobs and things to do are limited. Almost everywhere you go and every job you can think of uses computers. For this reason, computers have become a big part of the education system. I'm planning on teaching elementary students, so I researched the impact that computers have had on teachers and students.
Prior to my search, I was curious to why computers were not as effective as the general public assumed, as Oppenheimer had concluded. Dr. Herr, a professor of Education at California State Univerisity, Northridge, and my Methods of Teaching Science instructor, provides his seminars with ample uses for computers in education. This gave me the desire to further pursue the value of computers in the classroom on a larger scale; incorporating views and opinions nationwide.
What needs to be examined is both sides of the argument that computers somehow improve learning, sharpen minds, and get students more interested in learning. For example, is it true that, while there are many who feel there are educational and motivational advantages to this technology, we know that there are others who complain that it tends to make the students lazy, isolates them, dampens their creativity, and oversimplifies information.
Four years ago, teachers were slowly introduced to the world of computers. Most teachers were apprehensive, afraid that with an incorrect click, the computer would “explode”. How would the students learn if the teachers were unable to set an example? Here, traditional values had to be set aside, and learning about the new technology had to be embraced by both the students and teachers.
Imagine someone born in the early 1900’s entering a modern-day classroom. They would likely be confused as to what televisions, computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices are. It is also likely that they would be overwhelmed by the instant access to information that the internet provides. Digital media has become a large part of people’s everyday lives especially with the rise of digital media in classrooms. Digital media is growing so rapidly that people who are not adapting to this shift in culture are falling behind and becoming victims of the “digital divide”, this is leaving people misinformed. Digital media has a large effect on the way that people communicate, this is especially evident in the way that students interact with
As time goes by, advances in technology will provide more and more avenues for learning by way of the computer. The Internet has opened the doors of the world and unleashed limitless possibilities in research and education. It may be only a matter of time when the classroom is brought online to all children and attending a school classroom outside the home is a thing of the past. Looking back over the last 20 years, I never would have imagined that computers would come this far and impact our lives so much. Just imagine where they will be 20 years from now.