http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/technology/at-waldorf-school-in-silicon-valley-technology-can-wait.html?pagewanted=2&ref=gradingthedigitalschool
So far in this class we have discussed how schools are trying to stay current in today's world, equipping each classroom with as much technology as possible: SMARTboards, tablets, cell phones, etc. However, there is little scientific research that shows technology ultimately improves learning from how things have been in the past. Some doubters of this technological rise state that the costs of implementing this technology outweigh the benefits, and that constant funding of new technology will take away funding from other areas in school (funds for sports, bands, choir, etc.) As I was looking through topics on the internet, I came upon an article about a school that bans all technology from the classrooms, including computers, calculators, cell phones, or any electronic technology we basically use every day in our society. I would like you to read the article and post whether or not you think students would benefit more from a classroom with several technologies being used, or a classroom that does not use technology at all?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/technology/at-waldorf-school-in-silicon-valley-technology-can-wait.html?pagewanted=2&ref=gradingthedigitalschool
13 Comments
Kim Holifield
4/7/2014 03:43:05 am
Very neat read. I had no idea there were schools in America that did this! Coming from a small area where we are just now getting smart boards and using them more often, I can see where work CAN be done without technology. Look at all of the successful adults in the world now. They didn't grow up with technology in the classroom and they have went on to be successful. Although, I would have to say that some technology is helpful in the classroom. When I started my first long-term substituting position, I went for about four weeks without access to the computer or smart board. I then realized how helpful and handy a smart board could be for the elementary ages.
Reply
Carl Richburg
4/8/2014 02:01:31 am
Very interesting read as well. I think it's one of those things where if you're not used to having something, you learn how to survive without it. So, if you don't have technology, then you're used to not having it and it may come as a shock once you finally recieve the technology, but then after a while you realize how useful it is. We are so caught up in our own bubbles wherever we live, that we forget that what may be the "norm" for us, may be foreign territory for others.
Reply
Kennedy Seifert
4/10/2014 10:54:03 am
I definitely think students can benefit greatly from a classroom with no technology. Just like Kim said great, knowledgable people have came from not having technology. Why do we need it now? Seems to me that technology just complicates a lot of things. We talk about taking funds from other things for technology. Those things we are taking funds from are wry important. Number 1 gym class. Students do not NEED technology. They NEED exercise. If we have been fine with it in the past how come we think we need it now. Just like he said there is no proof that technology has actually increased any type of test scores or knowledge.
Reply
Lyndsey Talbot
4/13/2014 02:41:31 am
I totally agree with you. Do we really need all this technology? In my opinion, kids have become too dependent on technology and its short cuts for everything. It can also be a big time distraction.
Reply
Gino Bullock
4/10/2014 12:28:15 pm
I think students would be more beneficial with moderate technology. I think to much technology creates a distraction and takes the focus away from education. For years we have had doctors and lawyers even before all this technology, so it is clear that you can educate without technology.
Reply
April
4/12/2014 04:17:36 am
This is an excellent question. I have students that would prefer to have the actual textbook than the electronic version of the book. I do believe that technology is expensive and can take money from other programs. I think there should be a balance between technology and also using limited technology. I do believe it is our responsibility to teach students technology just because of the fact that they will need to know how to utilize it in real life.
Reply
Gary Jones
4/13/2014 10:12:30 am
.I can see where both sides have valid points for doing what they do. The I think the schools with no technology teach kids how to become more creative and imaginative because they cant just look something up at the push of a button they have to think about it and apply themselves. These schools could spend their money on other more essential things which could help them in the long run. The technology schools are gearing their students for the real world in which they may be expected to keep up with technology. Either way each school has its pro and cons but it will still be a few years before we will know which school will have the better outcome for its students.
Reply
Tyler Reece
4/13/2014 10:23:14 am
This is an interesting debate to say the least. I would like to bring a different perspective than most. The way I see it if you wanted to prove whether or not it was better to teach with or without technology it would depend on what your testing would consist of. I could tell you right now that if I was in a spelling class and consistently used Microsoft Word to complete assignments I would not be as good of a speller when it came to writing with a pen and paper. The same could be said for a math class if I used excel and calculators to do most of my problem solving then I may be pretty bad when it comes to doing long division or something. These are often basics we learned through education and have since forgotten. So the next question is how important is it to know how to solve for the area of a triangle with a pencil?
Reply
Jacqui Cappuccilli
4/13/2014 10:44:55 am
I believe that students would be better off without technology in classrooms. That technology is more of a distraction then it is helpful. I know that smartboards, and videos can help teach, but like kim said plenty of people have come out succesful without any of these technology services. However some technology is beneficial like a calculator so the overall best thing is to have some technology, and only when needed.
Reply
James French
4/13/2014 10:56:25 am
I liked several views in the report. However, I feel that direction is also missing the point. School is a combination of several aspects. It is an experience of several types. By going all in for technology other aspects suffer. By keeping things out. Kids don't get exposed to what is new and cutting edge. I believe somewhere in the middle of these two views is where American schools should strive to be. technology can help students understand and is if anything a huge motivator for students. However, technology is not a cure all and teaching will still have to continue has it has for hundreds of years. Through dedicated, talented individuals who give of themselves to make life better for someone else.
Reply
Chris Doak
4/13/2014 01:20:28 pm
Travis,
Reply
Dustin Ray
4/24/2014 12:49:43 am
I agree with chris on this matter. Having no technology in the classroom takes us back to the time of blackboards and the three r's. Technology is extremely effective, and teaches students how to research, and gives you the opportunity to explore new things.
Reply
Shari Harrington
5/2/2014 10:54:41 am
This is such an eye opener! I do sometimes really wonder what the point of all of the technology is especially when I consider some of the ways it hinders daily human interaction, and that's where I always come to the conclusion that there should be some balance. I don't think technology should be completely erased from schools because we live in a society that relies on it; students have to be prepared, but there are some subjects that technology is not necessary, like some mentioned above with physical education. There needs to be a balance.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Student BlogThis blog is for class conversations for ED 514 at Central Methodist University. These post are by the students of ED 514. We invite input form other teachers about how they use technology in their classrooms. Archives
March 2015
Categories |