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The Effect of Technology on Education Check Point: Rough Draft Rosemary Martin COM/220 RESEARCH WRITING (AXIA) July 21, 2010 MATTHEW SINEX The Effect of Technology on Education In this year 2010 Technology is making breakthrough’s in regards to education and access to learning material. Studies show test scores have showed little improvement overall since increased use in technology in education However there are increases in aptitude and educational experiences are due to technology in the classroom.
Many influences and usages of technology in classroom situations have created arguments within the education yet most experts can agree on technologies greatest contributions. Margaret Honey A vice president at the educational Development center a nonprofit organization stated before the senate subcommittee that “Computer software, internet access and other educational technologies have improved the quality of education. ” Many school systems rely on public assistance to purchase new computer equipment. Software or access to data. Most students have scheduled “computer classes” within their classrooms or in a resource centers.
In days past if you were researching an item for a project if the library was out of that book you had to find another topic or research item. Now with Google and internet educational sites teachers can d students can access the same information to see the clarity and appropriateness for the class. Using Technology to introduce historical data and scientific material to students that otherwise would have needed to go to a museum or Science center are not only opening up new worlds of thought for students it is making knowledge more readily available for all students with access to omputers that would not be able to afford field trips or books that are outdated. Soon it will be possible to activate all of the resources in school, at home, and in our communities to ensure that no child is left behind no matter how old. By familiarizing early learning with technology students are learning faster and in a broader sense with software geared at their age and learning levels. Well before school families with computers are obtaining software and hardware products to improve school readiness and gain a good foundation for education. Technology has Assisted with standardized test scores within school districts.
By monitoring scores on standardized tests you can monitor the teaching material and the comprehension of the students. With this organized data many districts can re think the approaches or textbooks used for increased learning potential. Many state funding is also granted on FCAT scores and other standardized tests. By simulating these tests this will increase the positive outcomes for the students. Traditional Teachers have been very vocal with their concerns on how technology has affected the “reading, writing and arithmetic” within the class room setting.
Because of calculators, spell check and grammar check students are relying more on technology than their pencils and papers. More students complete tasks on computer than ever before and paper and pencil math is becoming infrequent. In elementary school children still are learning traditionally however gradually most resort to calculators and type to complete assignments. Table 1: Percent of public schools that have instructional computers with various characteristics, percentage with instructional computer with internet access. Fall 2008 School CharacteristicsInternet accessInstructional computersLaptops on carts
All Public Schools100%97%58% Region Northeast100%99%64% Southeast100%98%61% Central100%96%55% West100%97%54% Community Type City 100%97%60% Suburban 100%97%62% Town100%99%56% Rural100%96%53% Source: US Dept of education, National center for education statistics, fast response survey system (FRSS), “educational technology in US public schools, Fall 2008” FSS 92, 2008; and common core of Data, “Public elementary / Secondary school universe study An opposed view of technology and education was found on an article titled Educational software may not increase learning, written by Ed.
Roman Espejo /2009 in regards to the U. S. Department of Education, “Effectiveness of Reading and Mathematics Software Products: Findings from the First Student Cohort: Executive Summary,” March 2007, pp. xii-xvi, xviii, xviv. “questions about the effectiveness of educational technology and how effectiveness is related to conditions and practices. The study identified reading and mathematics software products based on prior evidence of effectiveness and other criteria and recruited districts, schools, and teachers to implement the products.
On average, after one year, products did not increase or decrease test scores by amounts that were statistically different from zero. ” This in my opinion neither substantiates the fact that software improves or decreases knowledge rather than it is one facet of technology with education. The benefits outweigh the disadvantages if any are cited. Patrick Welsh. “Technology May Not Increase Learning. ” At Issue: Has Technology Increased Learning? Patrick Welsh seems to sum up his opinion with “Technology is just a tool, not an end in itself.
It will never replace good teaching. ” Many teachers remark about technology taking the place of Teachers and learning new computer systems that schools purchase because their school system feels it may benefit learning. Mr. Walsh appears to take the traditional teaching standpoint. Andrew T. LeFevre summarizes his article by stating “We would do well to remember that the ultimate goal of our educational system is to teach our children how to think for themselves. Technology can be a wonderful tool, but a high-speed modem will never replace a quick mind. He supports using technology but not replacing “old style” teaching but enhancing it with technology and parental support increases grades. Joanne K. Olson and Michael P. Clough feel that too much technology can actually harm the education experience of children. One of their arguments is “In the final analysis, what teachers do in the classroom and what students experience define the educational process. ” These Authors gave very valid points in regards to calculators and not having the child understand how the answer was derived.
But in no research I have completed did it say that traditional methods can replace in most readings it reinforced it enhances the educational experience. Leslie Bennetts summarizes her article by stating “Technology is an innovative way for kids to learn the things they need to know academically and also to learn the tools of technology,” says Gates. “The kids almost demand it. ” If you or your child were going to attend a school one of the aspects in this day and age would be their computer lab or on line accessibility.
Most schools require some form of computer competency since it is becoming standard in the education and real world workplace. Honey, also outlined clearly some of the advantages of Technology in relationship with Early learning software, increased competency testing resources and advancements in Math and Science skills. Using Technology to monitor knowledge and standardize testing allows teachers to modify teaching styles to have the students learn more efficiently and to see clearly how each child is progressing. Most Children and Adults need to use the computer for basic information search or work / school related activities.
Many Adults use correspondence education because of the accessibility and flexible scheduling so they can continue with their employment while furthering their career with continuing education. “Spell check, Grammar check, research and correspondence can be a click away from an adult to a teacher. This is due to the advancements in technology in the recent years. Per the article Virtual schools: will education technology change the nature of learning? “One industry has embraced computer-based technologies is higher education. Because colleges and universities go for the working adult market (e. . , University of Phoenix) with extensive online course offerings, colleges and universities teaching organizations with online courses that are marginal to their core operations. ” By reading my paper you too can see that we are part of this new generation of online learners! Teachers are also using the computer to store data and use standardized course work so grading and comprehension for the class is easier. Students can be given topics, websites and resource material that can be tailored to age, comprehension level and content.
Teachers can read through information assigned evaluating plagiarism and assess comprehension of subject matter. Email is vital today for correspondence with a busy lifestyle. You can see you or your child’s test scores, homework assignments or email your teacher with a question. It is now faster to correspond with parents or teachers allowing better communication. No longer do you have to wait until parent teacher conferences to get updates on your child’s progress. With on-line courses you can see homework, posts and discuss class topics with your teachers and peers.
It is truly a virtual classroom and in some classes you have video and audio same time access. Classes are being videotaped, or held virtually so you can link in and participate with your teacher or be replayed at a more convenient time. This helps those of us that may be more auditory or visual in our learning styles while still allowing the flexibility of location. Laptops, cables, flash drives, and computer software has now become a common place with the back to school crowd. Many school supply lists include new items to be budgeted into costs children will be required to have to keep up with the ongoing technological advances.
Most children have a computer at home so they can compete assignments at home using standardized applications and tools. These items are more expensive than notebooks and pens but can also do more. After reading these papers and using my own experiences and observations I would not be able to take college course and still be able to hold down a full time job if not for the advancement in computers and technology. Using the system to formulate a virtual classroom and to post this assignment to my instructor without traditional paper and pen. Technology has opened a learn world for me and my knowledgebase.
Grandkids, children parents and grandparents are benefiting from the new technology used by the educational community. APA Reference Source Citation: Honey, Margaret. “Technology Has Improved Education. ” Opposing Viewpoints: The Information Revolution. Ed. Laura K. Egendorf. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Apollo Library-Univ of Phoenix. 9 June 2010 http://find. galegroup. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/ovrc/infomark. do? &contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve&tabID=T010&prodId=OVRC&docId=EJ3010147240&source=gale&srcprod=OVRC&userGroupName=uphoenix&version=1. Source Citation: U. S. Department of Education. “Educational Software May Not Increase Learning. ” At Issue: Has Technology Increased Learning?. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Apollo Library-Univ of Phoenix. 9 June 2010 http://find. galegroup. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/ovrc/infomark. do? &contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve&tabID=T010&prodId=OVRC&docId=EJ3010553215&source=gale&srcprod=OVRC&userGroupName=uphoenix&version=1. 0 Virtual schools: will education technology change the nature of learning? (forum)(Discussion). Education Next 9. (Wntr 2009): p42(11). http://find. galegroup. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/ovrc/retrieve. do? subjectParam=Locale%2528en%252C%252C%2529%253AFQE%253D%2528su%252CNone%252C24%2529technology%2Band%2Beducation%2524&contentSet=IAC-Documents&sort=DateDescend&tabID=T002&sgCurrentPosition=0&subjectAction=DISPLAY_SUBJECTS& ;prodId=OVRC&searchId=R2¤tPosition=7&userGroupName=uphoenix&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&sgHitCountType=None&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28SU%2CNone%2C24%29technology+and+education%24&inPS=true&searchType=BasicSearchForm&displaySubject=&docId=A190430722&docType=IAC . Elementary School Student photograph www. flickr. com/photos/37155680@N07/3422162096/ 3. Young Adult Photograph http://tutoring-stream. com/for-parents/technology-literacy/ 4. U. S. Department of Education, Office of Education Technology. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Detroit: Gale, 2008. http://www. ed. gov/technology Technology Alone Has Not Improved Education. Andrew T. LeFevre. Opposing Viewpoints: The Information Revolution. Ed. Laura K. Egendorf. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004 http://find. galegroup. com. ezproxy. pollolibrary. com/ovrc/infomark. do? &contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve&tabID=T010&prodId=OVRC&docId=EJ3010147241&source=gale&srcprod=OVRC&userGroupName=uphoenix&version=1. 0 Computers Can Make Students More Interested in Learning. Leslie Bennetts. At Issue: Computers and Education. Ed. James D. Torr. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003. http://find. galegroup. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/ovrc/infomark. do? &contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve&tabID=T010&prodId=OVRC&docId=EJ3010248206&source=gale&srcprod=OVRC&userGroupName=uphoenix&version=1. 0