Computers and Education: The Wrong Approach Continually Being Executed
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| Title: | Computers and Education: The Wrong Approach Continually Being Executed |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Walker, Jacob J. |
| Source: | Online Submission. 2005. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 17 |
| Publication Date: | 2005 |
| Document Type: | Opinion Papers Reports - Evaluative |
| Education Level: | Elementary Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Public Education, Computer Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Paraprofessional Personnel, Attitudes, Technical Support, Professional Development, Participative Decision Making, Computer Selection, Purchasing, Educational Finance, Systems Approach, Administrative Organization |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Abstract: | This opinion paper explores the use of computers in the U.S. Public Education System, concluding that technology is underutilized and not fulfilled most of the educational promises attributed to the tool. Drawing upon research and personal experience, the paper explores 8 possible reasons for the problem, including: the computer itself; not enough quality technical support; not enough teacher education; lack of curriculum and lack of time to create curriculum; decisions made by the uninformed, with poor data; school district technology purchasing processes; not considering alternatives or what solution is best for the situation; and self serving interests of the private sector. Two potential solutions that can be implemented at the local level are briefly explored including conducting small ongoing tutorial sessions instead of single day in-service sessions, and using embedded technicians within a department as opposed to having centralized technical support. Preliminary research of average technician to computer ratio in U.S. public schools is presented. Computer to Technician Ratio Data is appended. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Number of References: | 9 |
| Entry Date: | 2010 |
| Accession Number: | ED510953 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This opinion paper explores the use of computers in the U.S. Public Education System, concluding that technology is underutilized and not fulfilled most of the educational promises attributed to the tool. Drawing upon research and personal experience, the paper explores 8 possible reasons for the problem, including: the computer itself; not enough quality technical support; not enough teacher education; lack of curriculum and lack of time to create curriculum; decisions made by the uninformed, with poor data; school district technology purchasing processes; not considering alternatives or what solution is best for the situation; and self serving interests of the private sector. Two potential solutions that can be implemented at the local level are briefly explored including conducting small ongoing tutorial sessions instead of single day in-service sessions, and using embedded technicians within a department as opposed to having centralized technical support. Preliminary research of average technician to computer ratio in U.S. public schools is presented. Computer to Technician Ratio Data is appended. |
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