Enlglish101 Final Paper
Final Paper 3
How Laptops Can Be Useful for Interactive Learning in the Classroom
For many years, the state of the educational system has been a polarizing topic in America. Some believe that the current system---traditional classrooms, objective based learning, and standardized testing---is the best way to continue teaching K-12 students. In contrast, others believe that the educational system should transition into a more interactive learning style. More specifically, these advocators believe that classroom settings should have more technology and virtual learning styles so that students will be prepared for the world of tomorrow.
Times change and people change with them. Over the last two decades, there have been significant advances in technological innovations. Because of the creation of laptops, cellphones, tablets, and more, information is much more accessible to the average person. Today, the average person spends about 7 hours of their day using some form of media technology. (Communications Market Report) The statistics are even higher for children and teenagers, who spend about 53 hours using media technology a week. (Generation M2 Report) The excessive use of media technology can be attributed to anything from communicating on social networking cites to participating in tutorial sessions for classes. No matter the reason for using media technology, education officials have observed that the way young people learn has begun to change. For example, students (k-12) no longer have to read through encyclopedias to find out facts; instead they can simply search for facts on the Internet. Because of the change in learning, education officials have advocated for change in the traditional education curriculum. They want to move away from the traditional way of learning---books, paper, and pencils—to a more technological based curriculum.
In recent discussions of the inclusion of technology in the classroom, a controversial aspect has been its
How Laptops Can Be Useful for Interactive Learning in the Classroom
For many years, the state of the educational system has been a polarizing topic in America. Some believe that the current system---traditional classrooms, objective based learning, and standardized testing---is the best way to continue teaching K-12 students. In contrast, others believe that the educational system should transition into a more interactive learning style. More specifically, these advocators believe that classroom settings should have more technology and virtual learning styles so that students will be prepared for the world of tomorrow.
Times change and people change with them. Over the last two decades, there have been significant advances in technological innovations. Because of the creation of laptops, cellphones, tablets, and more, information is much more accessible to the average person. Today, the average person spends about 7 hours of their day using some form of media technology. (Communications Market Report) The statistics are even higher for children and teenagers, who spend about 53 hours using media technology a week. (Generation M2 Report) The excessive use of media technology can be attributed to anything from communicating on social networking cites to participating in tutorial sessions for classes. No matter the reason for using media technology, education officials have observed that the way young people learn has begun to change. For example, students (k-12) no longer have to read through encyclopedias to find out facts; instead they can simply search for facts on the Internet. Because of the change in learning, education officials have advocated for change in the traditional education curriculum. They want to move away from the traditional way of learning---books, paper, and pencils—to a more technological based curriculum.
In recent discussions of the inclusion of technology in the classroom, a controversial aspect has been its
Cited: Collins, Allan, and Richard Halverson. Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology: The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America. New York: Teachers College Press, 2009. Print. Kemp, Laysha. Personal Interview. 7 Dec. 2012. Klopfer, E., S. Osterweil, J. Groff, and J. Haas. "Navigator." Using the Technology of Today, in the Classroom Today (PDF). The Education Arcade, MIT, 20 Aug. 2009. Web. 7 Dec. 2012. Lei, Jing, and Yong Zhao. "Technology uses and student achievement: A longitudinal study." Computers & Education 49.2 (2007): 284-296. Mouza, Chrystalla. "Learning With Laptops: Implementation And Outcomes In An Urban, Under-Privileged School." Journal Of Research On Technology In Education 40.4 (2008): 447-472. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 Dec. 2012. Muir-Herzig, Rozalind G. "Technology and its impact in the classroom." Computers & Education 42.2 (2004): 111-131. Pilgrim, Jodi, Christie Bledsoe, and Susan Reily. "New Technologies In The Classroom." Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin 78.4 (2012): 16-22. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Oct. 2012. Richtel, Matt. "Technology Is Changing How Students Learn, Teachers Say." The New York Times. The New York Times, 01 Nov. 2012. Web. 04 Nov. 2012. . Ripp, Pernille. "Technology Does Not Make a Classroom Successful, the Teacher Does." Cooperative Catalyst. Cooperative Catalyst, 9 Sept. 2011. Web. 7 Oct. 2012. . Scherer, Marge, and Karen Cator. "Transforming Education With Technology." Educational Leadership 68.5 (2011): 17-21. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 Dec. 2012. "Using Technology in Today 's Classroom." Yahoo! Contributor Network. Yahoo, 17 July 2007. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. Zucker, Andrew, and Sarah Hug. "Teaching And Learning Physics In A 1:1 Laptop School." Journal Of Science Education & Technology 17.6 (2008): 586-594. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 Dec. 2012.