Do Computers Negatively Affect Student Growth

In the beginning of the ‘Yes’ argument of “Do Computers Negatively Affect Student Growth?”, I quickly was intrigued by the comment of children having to be hands on to learn. I agree and disagree with this statement. In a lot of ways, it is easier to learn when you are hands on with the object and are able to experience it. This articles example was how a child learns about trees is opening the tree up and feeling the bark, experiencing the texture and the sight of it. I think that it is important to have hands on experiences because that is the way a lot of people learn. But I do not think that in all classrooms, students experience ALL hands on work. I can honestly say that 9 times out of 10 my teachers gave us worksheets, readings, and writing assignments to help us learn. Although these can be good tools, this argument of having to learn ‘hands on’ isn’t being enforced regardless if there are computers in the classroom or not. Although I agree that experiencing something is better, I do not know that I agree with this part of the yes argument. One point I did like was the lack of use of inner capabilities. I cannot tell you how many times I have used spell check instead of learning how to spell certain words. I have trouble sometimes when I am writing on paper because sometimes I do not remember exactly how to spell certain words. It is really hard to learn when you text and your phone auto corrects it, or if you are typing and Microsoft Word adds commas, changes the spelling, or highlights what is wrong. Although it can be a very useful and helpful tool, it can also be a really hurtful one for spelling and grammar.  I also liked the point about the face-to face ratio. It really is not fair that we can no longer have face to face conversations with people. Most people will pick up their cell phones and have any conversation over a text message, or an email. When we are hiding behind a screen, we are losing our people skills. I also like the argument about HOW we use the computers in school. It is definitely important to look at this argument. If we are using the computers in class for research, the occasional education game, or to type up an assignment, I think that those can be useful tools. In many cases, It is argued that students use the computers for the wrong things during class and that is why teachers prefer to not use the computers. No matter how many blocks people put on the social media websites, the students are going to find a way to get on them anyway. It is hard to keep these students away from technology and social media when they are constantly surrounded by it. I do agree with the  yes side of the argument completely because it stresses that we do not need to get rid of the technology in schools, we just need to learn how to manage it.

Can failing schools be turned around?

Throughout the article “Can Failing Schools Be Turned Around?”, two different articles compared their views on whether or not low income areas could be successful. As a future educator, it is important to consider both sides of this argument because I could be in the position one day where I can one day help students of these situations. Personally, I believe that it is highly possible to help students of poverty succeed as long as you have the right resources and motivation. I agreed more with the yes side of this argument. Karin Chenoweth, the author of the yes side of the argument, discussed strategies to help these students get engaged and actually learn. It is important to remember that these students did not grow up in a house with a bunch of books and go and explore because most of these children’s parents were unable to afford taking them to museums and learning outside of the home. Although it is hard to motivate these children, there are definitely ways. As a teacher, you have to learn to motivate and engage the students, from there the teaching is easy. If the students do not understand the basics, you’re going to have to go back and find ways to teach the students what they have missed. I really liked this author’s suggestion of taking them on field trips and seeing things that they haven’t seen. This is such a good idea because if you experience something, it is more likely to stick with the students. Although sometimes it is hard to get the funding for field trips, they help the students gain vocabulary and background knowledge that they need to move on. This is really important for them because they should not be stuck only learning what they know in poverty. If they see what the outside world has to offer, they will quickly become more motivated. I also liked the idea of using videos for helping students obtain knowledge. Since we live in the age of technology, most students will be excited to use the technology and therefore will retain more. If you can obtain a video that will help the students gain knowledge and keep them interested, they will definitely retain the knowledge. Also, I thought it was an interesting point about teacher collaboration. If the teachers do not all reinforce the rules, the students think that they can walk all over the teachers. I feel that if the students are in an uncontrolled environment, they will not succeed. Organization and structure is definitely good for students: regardless of if they are in poverty or not. I do not agree with the no side of the argument because I felt as if they were just giving up. I do not think that it is right to give up on any student: regardless of the situation. Although it is challenging to help these students succeed, it is definitely not as challenging as finding a cure for cancer. If oncologists can help their cancer patients get rid of cancer, then a teacher can help a student of poverty learn to read, write, do math, and succeed. Sometimes we just need to work a little harder and dig a little deeper to accomplish this. It wont happen over night, but it can definitely happen.