His viewpoint compelled me to find out more about the issue. To support his argument, Dr. Kardaras acknowledged that the educational technology industry is expected to grow to $60 billion by 2018. He used examples of two businesses that invested heavily in educational technology solely for profits. Both examples had unfavorable circumstances so he felt that each case supported his position.
During my
research, I found a website that presented both sides of the argument. Here are
a few of the justifications for and against using tablets instead of textbooks in a classroom:
|
Pros
|
Cons
|
|
Tablets provide students with access to
more information
|
Hand-held devices can cause health
problems
|
|
E-textbooks on tablets cost less than printed
books
|
Using tablets is more expensive than
textbooks (tablet costs, wifi, etc.)
|
|
Tablets allows students to mark and
adjust text for better reading
|
Tablets have too many distractions such
as apps, games, etc.
|
|
Tablets help prepare students for a world
that uses technology
|
Reading printed text helps you to
comprehend, remember, and learn better
|
As I
reviewed each point and counterpoint, I felt that many of the arguments against
tablets could be mitigated. Of course, overusing a device can cause problems
and tablet use by students should be monitored by teachers to ensure the
students are only using the devices for the intended educational purposes. I
believe that a device or tool is not harmful simply because it can be overused.
Both positions used cost comparisons to support their argument but I am in
favor of using technology to reduce costs and provide students with access to
more information. Even if reading printed text has its advantages, preparing
students to use technology is more important. Also, it’s likely that printed
text will continue to decline in the future as technology moves forward.
References:
Kardaras, N.
(2016, August 31). Screens In Schools Are a $60 Billion Hoax. Time. Retrieved from http://time.com/4474496/screens-schools-hoax/
Fred,
ReplyDeleteOverall I found your blog this week very interesting. It’s unfortunate that the author was criticizing technology in the classroom. I loved the table you included in your post. I think it’s a great way of organizing the pros and cons of educational technology.
I also feel that technology can have more of a positive effect on education. I believe it has to be utilized in the right manner and a balance must be found. I don’t think students need to be utilizing technology during each minute of the school day, but it’s beneficial for them to get the experience. You made a great point when you stated that we must prepare students to use technology each day. Our students today were born into technology. Most of my students know how to use technology better than I do, so why not continue to prepare them for their future?
I pulled up the article and was fascinated with the other pros and cons listed regarding tablets in the classroom. After reading the article, I understood where you perceived this biased option the author had on educational technology.
-Bianca
Hi Bianca. I appreciate your comments on this issue. I did not want to appear overly critical of the author so I did not mention that he was releasing a book that expands on his ideas. I’m surprised that Time magazine allowed him to promote his narrow vision on educational technology. I agree with your position that students should know how to use technology but they do not have to spend every minute using it. I also agree that technology can have a tremendous impact on technology if it’s used in the proper manner. -Fred
ReplyDeleteThat's is very interesting. I mean technically I'm sure you can find opposing perspectives of any research topic. At the end of the day there are pros and cons that go along with anything. Thanks for your post!
ReplyDelete-Bianca