Rethinking Computers

Ricadela, A. (2008). Rethinking computers in the classroom. Business Week Online, p. 1-1.

Aaron Ricadela’s article on the use of computers in the classroom had some very good points brought up about the role that technology plays in schools. He begins by explaining the hopes of the Obama Administration to give more federal money to place needed computers into classrooms around the country. Though this is a worthwhile initiative, Ricadela argues that this action alone will not improve test scores among students. There have been numerous districts that have transformed their schools into computer-centered environments but have not seen significant results in student learning. When I initially read this I was surprised by the low statistics, and I presume it is a huge disappointment to many advocates of media literacy. Then I read further and realized that many schools are not making correct use out of their resources. According to one researcher, “I’ve been in school with one-to-one laptop programs where kids are doing the equivalent of worksheets on their laptops” (as cited in Ricadela, 2008, p. 1). With all the opportunities that computers offer, it is saddening to realize that students are still forced to do skill and drill activities using worksheets. Teachers should be trained in computer applications and encouraged to use best practices while teaching their students technology-based lessons. Computers should not sit in the back of the classroom without being utilized either. Instead, teachers should be given media software that applies to what they are teaching and engages students with learning that is important to them. As a representative from Intel puts it, “If you’re just sprinkling the technology on top of the curriculum, it’s not compelling, … then you just have some expensive pencils” (as cited in Ricadela, 2008, p. 1).

As mentioned above, this article also touches on the new president’s hope to bring more computers into schools. This is a goal that will take a great deal of time and money, but if it is accomplished, student learning can greatly improve. These efforts could also work to lessen the digital divide. Currently there is a huge need to give poor districts a fighting chance to survive in an era that focuses on technology.