Elementary Education Research Paper

Computers in Elementary Education

When trying to describe the meaning of education, one might think of the relationship between a teacher and a student. The essence of this relationship is stregthned by the teachers' ability to adapt to the students needs. With many advancements of society and technology, today's teachers are better equipped with tools so powerful that the standards of yesterday are being challenged more frequently. Among these great tools exists the computer and the Internet.

Unfortunately, history reveals that great tools often have their consequences. For example, how great must it have been to be among the first few to use a knife thousands of years ago. We all know, just as those first few might have found out,

It might be possible that a few of the teachers around the world fear being replaced by a machine. Can the computer really substitute the help and guidance of a teacher? This idea itself raises another issue. Deciding how many computers per school, how many computers per class, how many lessons involving computers, whether Internet access should be granted, and planning security issues with expensive equipment is not going to be an easy task. I believe everyone is very excited right now about having computers in their classrooms. It's also happening at the elementary school where I am currently working as a T.A. There will be at least one computer in each classroom. The fourth and fifth grade classes have more than one because they have projects that they can type during class or they have any other activity that will enhance their computer abilities. I work in a kindergarten class and when the children were told they were going to have a computer in their room they all said, "yeeaaahhh." I would be excited too because they're only thinking about the computer games that are going to be available for them. They're not thinking that their whole instruction is going to be in front of the

"There is no right way to introduce computers to children. The method used depends on the age of the children, their previous experience with computers, and the teaching style and philosophy of the teacher."(Davidson 38) I also still believe that everyone is so excited to have computers because it's something somewhat new to the children. I imagine that when books first came out everyone wanted to have one and use it all the time. After a while everyone got used to seeing them and eventually is now sometimes boring. I think the same might happen with computers. Many children are not used to most of their instruction being on computers, but as soon as it becomes a normal thing for everyone, there will be some that also end up getting bored. "Systems that program the kids ultimately end up boring them, and that's the very worst thing that any school can do to a student."(Stoler 61) I am all for using the computers as a teaching aid and reinforcing what you teach in the classroom, but not for something like a substitution for a teacher. Every child has the right to grow up like a child and enjoy their