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.