Information Computer Technology By Jack Turner

Introduction In 1980 the government found money to put at least one computer in each school. Most of these computers went unused but compared to now, 22 years on, where there are usually 50 – 100 and more computers in each school, there has been a massive improvement in the computer market.

The Benefits The use of productivity tools like word processors, desktop publishing and spreadsheet software for use in projects The use of interactive teaching packages available on CD for many different subjects Access to the Internet and thousands of online databases

Computers = Redundancy Due to the introduction of computers to education, there is a alarming fear that it will make teachers redundant. As a result this would reduce the skills of their social interaction and becoming much more isolated. However Computer aided learning has many advantages which include: It allows students to work at their own pace. Computers have continuing patients. Each computer teaches the same thing, so you do not learn the skills of one particular teacher. Much more cost effective a school will not have to pay wages.

Multimedia in Schools Text, graphics, animation, video and sound make up a multimedia software. Most multimedia packages come on a CDROM, they are available for every level of education and allow children to play games and learn as they please. These may also be used with the guidance of a teacher as they will be happier because they know what the children will find. However this means the teachers will have to be trained which is another expensive route to making the world computerised.

Authoring Software One disadvantage to computers in schools is that before the children can use the multi media software , authoring software is needed. This allows text, graphics, photographs, videos. Sound file, and animation to be added or imported

Internet Based Services There are thousands of sites dedicated to learning on the internet. It is also an excellent source for more general information. However with out filtering the sites, as there are various sites which are not appropriate for children.

Conclusion As a result of computers in education there is a weighty argument for both view points. It has been said that teachers will always be needed even if they are only assisting the child. I think that computers have opened many opportunities for children who have learning disabilities as it an be a fun way to learn, and therefore, can be accepted but not to the extent where they are running the schools, as a computer can not discipline a child and tell it right from wrong. They need human interaction to learn the ways of communicating and other skills