The Overdominance of Computers

Overview
This article talked about reasons for and against computers in the life of students. Without computers; students will not be prepared for life after schooling or even life in college. The author (Lowell Monke) feels that making students prepared for life with computers doesn't mean introducing them to computers as soon as they are off the bottle. Students don't only need to learn how to use computers but they also need to learn the discipline needed to be responsible computer goers. The article points out that many children these days have a diminished view of the outside world because they stay glued to their computers. Students are not experiencing real, concrete things. They are instead working in an abstract and symbolic environment. Research has shown that the more access that students have with computers the lower their test scores are.

It seems that computers are distracting students from their work sometimes more than they are helping them. As educators we need to be finding a way to balance our students machine-driven lives.

The author also brings out that we need to not force technology on younger students. We are constantly using technology to "push" students forward instead of letting them develop at their own rate. Students are labeled quickly and external technical fixes are applied almost immediately. This includes using calculators, medications and computer dictionaries without giving the student a chance to naturally progress. Click here for more.