Synthesis Revision

Whether we like it or not, the basis of education is becoming more and more technological. But, by instituting computers into the classroom and refusing to acknowledge the usefulness of books, are students still being challenged and learning material as dynamically as before? The Wisconsin Center for Education Research and Clifford Stell have very different arguments, but really they are supporting each other more than they think.

The WCER is strongly in favor of computers being an essential player in the classroom, feeling that with the additional access to information on the internet instantly makes it a better learning tool than a pile of books. Also, the fact that a student is more likely to sit down at a computer and play an educational game then sit down at a desk and sift through books trying to come to the same conclusion, it shows how much our educational system has changed. When a student is ready to go do research, they may be heading to a library, but odds are they will be looking through a online database before checking what books are available to them.

Clifford Stell, the author of "Who Needs Computers", has a very different argument. He points out that computers do everything but help develop students in the classroom. Mentioning that when you look back to the 60's and how filmstrips made their first appearance in the classroom, everyone knew that it was a chance to slack off because you weren't going to be learning anything as a student. But the only reason they were being used is because parents wanted the newest and most advanced pieces of technology readily available to their children at all times.

But are these two arguments really all that different? Yes there is one side claiming that computers are the future and will be the most advantageous tool available, whereas the other wants to see books taking the forefront in education. The similarity here is that computers are the future whether we like it or not. Just as it is with almost any other type of new technology or idea that is brought into question, there will be naysayers and supporters. But in this case the naysayers are those who don't understand the real advantages that computers and advanced technology provides students. My point here--that the majority of those opposed to seeing computers brought into classrooms, are not students, the opinions that should really count in this matter. Beyond this limited audience, however, my point should speak to anyone who cares about the larger issue of individual learning styles. Not everyone can take a book, read it, and pull away all of the main points as easily as others. In some cases, a computer game, or aided study guide helps ease the process for the student. So in essence we have people arguing against the greater good, because years from now you will most likely only see computers in the classroom because as a society that is the direction we are heading in.