1. Computers in Education
History & Background
Technology Compared
Some Pros & Cons

2. What, when, & who??
"I believe that the _________ is destined to revolutionize our educational system and that in a few years it will supplant largely, if not entirely, the use of textbooks.."

3. What, when, & who??
Quoting Thomas Edison from 1922: "I believe that the motion picture is destined to revolutionize our educational system and that in a few years it will supplant largely, if not entirely, the use of textbooks.." (p. 9; the quotation is taken from Henry A. Wise, Motion Pictures as an Aid in Teaching American History (Yale UP, 1939), p. 1)

4. History Repeats Itself
Motion pictures would allow students to "See" history before their eyes.
Radio would let students hear events as they took place.
Television was touted as offering “every student the possibility of receiving first class instruction.”

5. Computers Next to Fail?
Computers are offered as “a mechanism that will "make learning fun" and transform the classroom into a learning laboratory for life”.

6. Technology Compared

7. Common to All Ed. Tech. Technology to be used in schools:
Not invented for the classroom.
Almost never wanted initially by those doing the teaching.
Often does not make the impact predicted.

8. Who Wants This Stuff & Why?
Politicians:
Business:
Media:
Community/Parents:
Educators:

9. Examples: Educational Technology
Been in Classrooms for years TV
VCR
DVD
Film
Overhead
Audio Recordings...

10. The Computer Difference?
New dimension of interactivity.
Students can:
Receive info/instruction (traditional)
Add to existing info
Determine what info to look at
Create, communicate, problem solve, use imagination...

11. Some Pros & Cons

12. Benefits of Computer Use in Schools
Students appear motivated to use computers.
Expands the traditional learning environment.
Better able to manipulate material
Immediate feedback
Helps in material visualization

13. Benefits of Computer Use in Schools
Expands teacher repertoire.
Teacher not center of classroom all the time.
Independent work
Increased Teacher Productivity.
Lesson plan organization
Tracking grades
Seat assignments...

14. Benefits of Computer Use in Schools
Prepares Students for Future in Technological Society
Computer skills
Information skills
Greater Equity
Updates libraries
Use to help variety of learning styles.

15. Drawbacks of Computer Use in Schools
Doesn’t solve all learning problems.
A tool, not an answer.
Technology Constantly Changing.
Literacy changes
Professional development for teachers
Cost!!!

16. Drawbacks of Computer Use in Schools
Can be used to systematize education.
“Teacher proof” schooling
standards: drill & kill
Greater Inequity
Socio-economic
Gender
Special Needs

17. Drawbacks of Computer Use in Schools
Changes in Classroom Management.
Are students on task?
Are students paying attention?
Are students “exploring” inappropriate sites?
How can teachers utilize only a few computers?

18. Achieving Effective Use of Computers
School Administrators & Teachers must keep in mind the historic context.
Educators/society must remember that computers are tools used to support, not take the place of professionals.
Must focus on benefits and minimize potential drawbacks.

19. Effective Use of Computers
Teachers must be able to use professional judgment to determine when computers will be beneficial to their classrooms.