Parker Canby

Core 1& 2
Technology in Schools
Over 20% of schools across America use technology every day. Some
people would say kids shouldnt have that much exposure to screens, but in my
opinion, I think some kids benefit from the computers and learn better with them.
For some kids its the opposite, they abuse the technology and dont focus in
class. Shawn Jackson, the principal of Spencer Tech. says, If were not exposing
our kids to this stuff early, they are going to be left behind. If your child is without
technology skills it will be harder for them to apply for a job or college.
Technology should be embraced in schools because kids have better retention,
opportunity to get good jobs, and better test scores.
One of the good things about technology in schools is that kids have
better retention when using it. Students can only remember 10% of what they
read, 20% of what they hear and 50% of what they see demonstrated. But when
theyre actually doing something themselves in virtual worlds on iPads or
laptopsthat retention rate skyrockets to 90%. Digital Parent Trap. This almost
explains why when teachers make students read out of the textbook or when
they give them a 50 min lecture why they dont retain it. Some other reasons may
be the kid wasnt paying attention or they have ADD. Although some people think
that schools should avoid technology because it is distracting and it affects
important decisions, I see that using it makes kids feel more engaged. Studies
show that when using computers or iPads kids get better test scores and they
have a better retention of what they learned online from what they learned in a
textbook.
Another reason why schools should embrace technology is because most
jobs these days use technology. If kids know how to use it now, they can get
better jobs when theyre older. Think about your job or a friends and whether or
not you/they use technology. If you do, did it take you a while to get adjusted to
using it almost everyday? People say that some jobs dont use technology. That
may be true but then think about every day life, 77% of homes have a computer
in them and 62% have Internet.
The last reason why technology should be embraced is because students
can get better test scores. Based on my first reason of how kids remember 90%
of what they read online this shows that by studying online or just using a
computer students will get higher test scores. Although people may say that
students get distracted which is true but that just means that they were bored
with the material or the way it was presented to them wasnt interesting, so if
studying was like a game it might be more fun.
Over all I think technology should be embraced because students will be
more focused and it helps in life and all its curveballs. Now its your turn to work in
technology into your students daily leaning life and make it so the can learn more
and be more engaged. Some of the things you can do are talk to the
superintendent, principal, or teacher about using computers or iPads for learning
opportunities. If you are afraid the kids may abuse the technology then just
monitor them.