Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers in School

Advantages and disadvantages of using computers in school Cobiloiu Alina-Marilena Limba engleza, studii teoretice si aplicate

Key words: Collaboration, The Internet, Discovery learning, ubiquitous computing. Computer-Human Interaction. Abstract : This text is about the role of computer in schools. Teachers are the actor of the process and they have to subscribe to the constructivism principles assimilating the new information technologies and communications as an . essential tool in their work

Introduction The latest research and evaluation studies demonstrate that school improvement programs that employ technology for teaching and learning yield positive results for students and teachers. Given that many schools and classrooms have only recently gained access to technology for teaching and learning, the positive outcomes of these studies suggest a future for education that could be quite bright if the nation maintains its commitment to harnessing technology for education. The adoption of new and emerging technologies by schools and classrooms offers even more reason to be hopeful. With sufficient access and support, teachers will be better able to help their students comprehend difficult-to-understand concepts and engage in learning, provide their students with access to information and resources, and better meet their students’ individual needs. If we take advantage of the opportunities presented to us, technology will enhance learning and improve student achievement for all students. Schools are traditionally resistant to change, but they cannot ignore the ways in which computer technology is transforming society. Computer-assisted education will allow schools to design curricula that are individualized to each student. Outside the classroom, the easy availability of information on the Internet will increase individuals’ ability to educate themselves and become lifelong learners. Finally, computer-enhanced education will be part of a larger transformation of education, which could include medical innovations that will enhance learning.

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The use of computers in school classrooms has evolved throughout the years, and has become revolutionary in changing the way we teach and learn. Our classrooms should no longer be confined to four walls and a few teachers who are considered to be experts in knowledge. Our classrooms need to keep up with a changing society and a new world that is dependent on technology. As students graduate, they need the technological skills needed to thrive in a world in which technology sets the pace. ... Many people have discovered that they can make banners for every day events, while other more advanced users can program their own games. Students have been using their Word Processors to type up reports for school, working men and women have used theirs to make documents for work, and all sorts of people have used their computers for various tasks that are made easier by use of computers. Computer technology has the potential to dramatically enhance students’ educational experience. Computer-assisted education is interactive and therefore captures students’ interest better than one-way communications such as lectures or videotapes. Educational software can be used to present both real-world problems and abstract concepts. In addition, tutoring and testing software can be used to analyze students’ strengths and weaknesses in a variety of subject areas. The Internet and other networked environments offer students a means for collaborating on projects and a way to interact with the world outside the classroom. Finally, computer-assisted technology can help support teachers’ ongoing professional development, which ultimately benefits students. Although it can be challenging to conduct multimedia activities if you have only one computer in the classroom, there are strategies that can maximize student access. In addition to using the computer as a presentation tool (for the teacher and students), it can function as a learning/research center or as a development station for small groups. Class Presentation Tool. If a projection unit or TV converter is available, the computer can be used as a presentation tool for you or the students. This allows you to demonstrate, provide and use technology-enhanced teaching techniques. In addition, students can showcase their projects and present them to the class. Research/Learning Center. One option is to use the computer as a component in a learning/research center, where students can access multimedia encyclopedias, the Internet, and application software (such as spreadsheets, concept mapping tools, and word processors). Working individually or in small groups, during class time or "free" time, students could use the computer for research, data collection, publishing, and media production, and many other activities. Development Station. If you are conducting a multimedia activity in which several small groups must have access to a computer (and you only have one computer), you'll need to create a rotational schedule and make sure the students without a computer are engaged in another facet of the activity. For example, one group may be conducting research through "traditional" means, another group may be brainstorming or writing their storyboards, and other groups may be using a digital camera, scanner, or camcorder. If your classroom has several computers, you can use them as presentation tools, learning centers, development stations, or a combination of configurations. Unlike a computer lab, a classroom with several computers will have computers available whenever the students need them, enabling "teachable moments" throughout the day. In addition, students will be able to leave projects that are "in progress" on classroom computers, knowing that other classes will not be using the computers. Computers in the classroom provide more flexibility than going to a computer lab, but less flexibility than having laptops available for students. Many researchers agree that a minimum of three computers in the classroom is needed to ensure that every students gets some time at the computer during a single classroom period -- obviously, the more

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computers, the better -- especially if the class is large. The number of computers and students in your classroom will determine how large the groups must be or how many rotations of groups it will take for every group (or every student) to have time on the computer. While students are waiting for their group's turn at a computer, they can work on related, non-computer tasks. For example, some groups may be collecting data, while others are inputting the data into spreadsheets. As computer and Internet technologies advance, they occupy an increasingly significant role in our lives. As a parent, you may rely upon your computer to track your finances, get your news, or email your friends and colleagues. Perhaps you do not remember how you ever got by without your computer. These high-tech tools are just as important for your child. While it is true that the Internet provides access to questionable video games or other inappropriate content, it is also a gateway to quality educational resources, learningenhancing games and homework help. Advantages of computers for education in the digital era as it is today cannot be taken lightly. This is because all sorts of activities that exist in the school environment, always in touch with the world of computers. These include teaching and learning programs also have relevance to the world of computers. With the computer, then the learning process will move more quickly. This is particularly so in the balance the development of science, which is always changing dynamically. It's no longer at the level of the year but every second there are always changes in the progress of the world. And this can only be followed through the utilization of computer technology. Collection of literacy who had only obtained through printed books, digital technology can be provided with a much more practical and efficient. So that it can bring the ease of students in learning, although on the other hand, have consequences on the rising cost of education. Computers help children to be in control of their experience, to set their own pace, and to select the level of challenge with which they feel comfortable. Computers help children to use all of their senses to extract information. Computers fascinate kids and can draw their full attention, which often results in a deeper focus and concentration. Computers enable children to learn through creating, just as they gain hands-on knowledge and understanding when they build forts, make up stories, and paint, increase their skills .As they master computers, children build positive attitudes toward technology that will pay dividends for the rest of their lives. The Internet is a treasure chest of fun interactive programs designed to improve your child's reading skills, complete math problems, build memory, or simply enhance hand-eye coordination. While some of these games must be purchased, others are free However, if viewed from the description of advantages, presumably the increase of education cost can be seen as an investment, and not as a burden. Benefits of Computers for Education Computers help children to be in control of their experience, to set their own pace, and to select the level of challenge with which they feel comfortable. Computers help children to use all of their senses to extract information. Computers fascinate kids and can draw their full attention, which often results in a deeper focus and concentration. Computers enable children to learn through creating, just as they gain hands-on knowledge and understanding when they build forts, make up stories, and paint, increase their skills. Good educational software enables children to develop and practice a broad range skill. It can help them learn, for example, about letters, numbers, shapes, colours, and rhythm. Good software can also help children develop their understanding of cause and effect, higher order problem solving, procedural thinking, and creative expression

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Broadly speaking, there are three things related to benefits of computers for educational. They are as follow: 1. The computer is a medium for students to always think ahead. With the computer, it is a proof that science is always evolving rapidly. To that end, students are taught to always be in touch with the media could promote the progress of student thinking. And the computer is a concrete manifestation, the results of human creative thinking that created through the learning process. 2. Education-related technology will stimulate a student's psychomotor intelligence. So that students will have the freedom to determine the type of education that can bring benefits to themselves and to improve the quality of education.Do not force students to always be learning with the conventional concept that is not necessarily a positive correlation of quality education. 3. Providing awareness in students, which the computer is as a tool for learning. While the key and the determinant of the quality of education, remain in the student as the executor of the educational process itself. Without the willingness and persistence in learning, then the computer just becomes an inanimate object that cannot provide optimal benefits. Nowadays, science and technology have been improved rapidly; the computer may take over the role of books in the store and disseminate knowledge to the public. In other words, the computer will change the way we learn and how we retain knowledge. Related matters such as student registration, class scheduling, processing of examination results, personal storage, students and teachers can be implemented by a computer effectively and quickly to assist the administration. In an educational institution, computers also help to make official automation tasks, processing examination results and doing scientific research is also using the computer. Even, in cataloging the books in the library also applied by the use of computers. Not forgetting its usage for teaching and learning process, which it is not only in higher learning educational institutions but also in schools, whether in teaching and studying by the help of computer or learning and teaching about the computer. Therefore, computer is much emphasized in education to foster the process of administration, research, and also what is important is to facilitate and assist students and teachers in the teaching and learning. Many of us have computers, or have used computers. A computer is a wonderful tool that can help us with many things. The question is why are computers more than a curse than a blessing? Many children this generation have advanced in computers and technology more than their elders, and the ones above them. The internet is wonderful when researching for homework, but it is not good when it is becoming a bad habit and going on it. Computers have many effects on people and the youth. It can lead to less physical activity for many children and teenagers. Many times computers are being abused for all the wrong reasons. One thing that it affects the most is your vision and can lead to glaucoma a type of eye disease. Many of us are not aware of all the health issues that are caused by computers. Many kids have computers at home. Majority of them come home from school and just sit at the computer. Not because they have to study something, but because they are bored and they need some sort of entertainment. The decision to include computer and internet sciences into my life long career was not sudden, but one, well thought about and that has a supportive background of interests in computers since school.As years passed the interest didn’t disappear, but grew and as a result it turned in into the main educational and career goal. It is no need to describe the role and value of the computer as a instrument in many branches of the professional and personal activity of people, it’s just enough to say that the perspectives of this technology are very promising and my decision to work in this sphere is very deliberate. The horizons that computer technologies open to the application in different branches of activity are really great and they not only improve and make work more effective but with the help of

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them it’s possible to analyze and find new optimal methods of solving different types of problems and forecasting many events. I’m sure that education I’ll get studying information and computer sciences will later turn into a fruitful and successful work as I’m planning to work in the sphere of internet related technologies. As the reality shows more and more businesses goes into internet and the number of businesses that are run with the help of internet increases rapidly. Because of the opportunities that interactive environment gives the efficiency of such businesses is often greater than of those managed and run by typical methods. Internet technologies open a world of opportunities for IT-specialists and new methods of informational management are widely introduced now, so the need and perspectives of such career are obvious.

Disadvantages of using Computer: To start the most significant fact that should be stated is that the computer is a tool, and as with any educational tool, from books to crayons, it can be used to enhance the curriculum and promote learning, but it can also be misused and abused. Computers are very engaging and can exercise a strong "holding power" on children as well as adults. They really seem to mesmerize children. Since we do not yet understand the impact of this power, we need to monitor the amount of time a child spends before a computer. If the software is not ageappropriate, children are likely to become frustrated and associate a computer with failure.Kids with access to software that is not age appropriate may be exposed to such negative influences as violence, strong language, and over-stimulation from fast-action graphics. Frequent and prolonged computer sessions may pose physical health risks for children. The most frequently cited are visual strain, harmful effects of radiation, and posture and skeletal problems. In the case of normal usage and normal operating conditions, however, research has shown that computer monitors are safe and do not compromise the health of our eyes and that computer monitors emit little or no harmful radiation. What does seem to pose a hazard is the strain placed on a child's posture and skeletal structure if she consistently uses a computer set-up designed for an adult. Another reason that computers in the classroom would prove to be a disadvantage is the availability of computers in the classroom to each individual student. It is rare to find a school that, in each classroom, has a computer supplied for each student. This then brings up the problem of scheduling and rotating the students to the computers available. This begins a whole new ball game in which you are now consuming a lot of time in which could be used for more productive measures rather then scheduling computer time for each student. If this is the case, and only a specific amount of students can be on the computer at one time, then you are dividing your classroom, and not integrating it, as it should be. This causes many difficulties in teaching a whole group instruction, which leads to problems in skill development, since the attention of some students is lacking. The teenagers of today's society have changed dramatically due to the Computer. Nowadays, the majority of teenagers have a PC and it has played a key role in their lives. Teenagers need to be equipped with knowledge of computer technology, as most things in life require the use of computers. One disadvantage of owning a computer is the information that students can access from the Internet. The Internet has also made the youth of today quite lazy, especially in terms of their education. If a student needs to research information for school, they merely access a relevant site and download the information, rarely paying attention to what is written. Purchasing the network cabling and file servers

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can be expensive. If the file server breaks down the files on the file server become inaccessible. Viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer network. There is a danger of hacking, particularly with wide area networks. Computers are very engaging on children as well as adults. Kids with access to software that is not age appropriate may be exposed to such negative influences as violence, strong language, and overstimulation from fast-action graphics. Computers in the classroom lacks research of it being an advantage in the classroom. Computers in the classroom may not provide the students with the proper education that they need if the software being used is not adequate. Computers may not be, depending on the school, made available to each student. The attention of the students is harder to get when they are on the computer. An inexperienced teacher in the technology area may cause many problems in the classroom, and consume valuable time that could be used to educate. Most schools do not provide an on site technician in case a difficulty may arise. The children's health may be affected by long-term use of the computers, and probably the most frightening one is that these children can be exposed to child predators and unfiltered inappropriate content through the web while they are in school and in their classrooms presumed to be receiving their education. Teachers are the actor of the process and they have to subscribe to the constructivism principles assimilating the new information technologies and communications as an essential tool in their work. Conclusions What is now known about learning provides important guidelines for uses of technology that can help students and teachers develop the competencies needed for the twenty-first century. The new technologies provide opportunities for creating learning environments that extend the possibilities of “old” but still useful technologies books; blackboards; and linear, one-way communication media, such as radio and television shows as well as offering new possibilities. Many schools around the nation are using computers to make schoolwork exciting and challenging rather than tedious. The most successful of these schools use computers and the Internet to engage students in projects that show them how their knowledge and skills can be used in the real world.

Sumar :

Consider ca este benefic pentru fiecare copil sa se familiarizeze cu calculatorul acesta fiind indispensabil pe viitor, insa parintii sunt obligati sa-l supravegheze, permitandu-i accesul in limita unui program bine stabilit si explicat. Calculatorul dezvolta capacitatea de concentrare si atentie, creste capacitatea de. reactie la fel si coordonarea. Copilului timid ii ofera posibilitatea de a interactiona cu cineva fara sa-i fie teama de respingere. In acelasi timp cu ajutorul calculatorului gasim o varitate de programe educative, prezentate mai atragator si pe intelesul celui mic.

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References : Blanchard, J., 1999,ed. Education Computing in the Schools: Technology, Communication, and Literacy. New York: Haworth Press, Cuban, L., 2001, Oversold and Underused: Computers in the Classroom. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Morrison, G.R , 2002, Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom. Upper Deborah L. Lowther Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Prentice-Hall.

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