Are Computers beneficial in the Classrooms? evaulation

Many people fail to realize that school is a second home. Most of the student’s day is spent in school. But some teachers and fail to realize that they have a lot of influence over their students. With a lesson, it is up to the teachers to engage and inspire their students. There are many ways a teacher can reach out to their students; a lesson can be lectured, taught on computers, work books and even television can be brought into the classrooms. But I believe the most beneficial way a student can be interested in learning is intergrading technology into the classroom.
Before a law was passed by congress to have at least one computer in every classroom, it was a very dreary sight. According to the American Library Association, on November 2, 2002 the Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act (TEACH Act) which was signed by President Bush. But the bill didn’t come into effect until June 7, 2001. This act was to allow computer access in all classrooms. This bill was very valuable to everyone. If a student didn’t have access to a computer, this bill would help anyone out. But now there are several computers in classrooms which make it a lot easier for everyone.
While I was in elementary school, I had a hard time grasping math. As the math began to get harder I began to fall behind. I struggled until my fifth grade teacher decided to do something about it. While other kids in the class were doing their work, she took me to the side and gave me some work books that broke the process down. Due to the fact that there were at least twenty five students to one teacher it was difficult for the one on one time that I needed. I would spend many lunch hours in the classrooms working on math problems. I began making progress and ended up getting high test scores. By the end of the term I was the most improved student in the class. With the help of both a teacher and a workbook I was inspired to learn.
Technology makes a lesson more interactive and less likely for students to become more alert in class. According to Jameshed Lam “One of the programs targeted by the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) is title 2-D-1&20 the goal is to improve student achievement through the use of technology.” No Child Left Behind is a program that was proposed in…. “1965 as ESEA which stands for the Elementary and Secondary Act. It folded and was reposed and signed January of 2001” (New Jersey Department of Education) as what we now know as No Child Left Behind. This program is to make sure that teachers are doing their job and to make sure the children are getting the essential tools that are needed. During the times I was in elementary and high school, this law wasn’t in effect because many of the times some teachers didn’t care about their students. All the teachers cared about at the end o the day was getting their paycheck. This law was both a positive and negative reaction. In light of being positive it made sure students didn’t receive the short end of the stick anymore and it allowed more opportunities for students to stay and get extra help. But at the same time it showed a negative effect. The goal of the bill was to bring test scores up and improve city schools. But these standardized tests can take an effect on children. Many become stressed and have to worry about how well they do at such a young age.
With the fast pace of technology, before we know it technology may replace teachers. Computers give students that one on one time that is needed that teachers can’t provide. There are several programs that advance children far beyond their years. One founder of such programs is called Kaboose. This company offer several games that children can play. One game in particular is Word Play. This game has a western theme. In this game the player has to lasso the proper definition for the given word. “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego” is another example of educational games for children and even adults. The games initial goal was to focus on geographic and historical events but later expanded into math, English and many topics (Wikipedia). These games are very helpful to students and even before future students attend school because, it gives them leverage over the other students.
Television is another way children can learn both in and out of school. There are several networks dedicated to helping children get the correct fundamentals. Such networks are: Nick Jr. PBS, and HBO Kids. The shows on these networks are geared to children between the ages of three to at least ten. The network PBS in infamous for such shows as: “Sesame Street”, “Reading Rainbow” and “Carmen Sandiego.” These shows give children a since of fun and a way they can engage in learning. While Nick Jr. has a very different show called “Dora the Explorer.” All these shows elevate children thinking skills.
“Carmen Sandiego” is a very educational game as well as a television show for people of all ages. This franchise first started as basic computer and video games. The first CD-Rom came out in the year 1985 titled “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego.” (Wikipedia) Many years down the line the Carmen Sandiego brand expanded to making more educational games involving math, spelling and even time travel. As a result children were able to spell words, learn about the past and even enhance their math skills. There was also a game show created behind the Carmen Sandiego brand. This game show aired on PBS and was geared for students from eight to twelve. This show involved students to focus on geographical areas (Wikipedia).
PBS network was the channel that started children programming; with such shows as Reading Rainbow and Sesame Street. “Sesame Street first aired November 10, 1968 and is the longest running children’s show.” (Wikipedia) The goal of the show is to keep young children interested and make learning fun. Until this day Sesame Street has remained the most innovative children’s show to date. Since the show has been around for so long they have to constantly change their concepts to fit in with today’s television.
The show “Reading Rainbow” was another one of PBS creations. This show encouraged reading among children, to make this believable the show would have celebrities appear on the show and read books to children(Wikipedia) Although its season ended in 2006(Wikipedia), this show left an lasting impression on American Society. This show made it acceptable for people to read and not be ashamed of it especially, children.
“Dora the Explorer” is a very educational show for children of the ages of as little as two to six. This show teaches Spanish and as well as friendship and family lessons. This how is meant to build children’s educational as well as moral status. Each of the character’s: “Boots the Monkey, Swiper the Fox, Backpack, The map, Isa the Iguana, Tico the Squirrel, and Benny the Bull” (Wikipedia) all these characters may relate to anyone in that child’s life. The show is based on different adventures and once those adventures are met then the group is rewarded with a Fiesta Trio. Dora is cute and innocent child; as most people see children. On the show Dora teaches moral lessons and always sees the good in someone. The only time it’s necessary for her to go outside of her character is when she is defending herself or her friends.
Now with all these advances in television programming how can teachers keep up? Well a way this was resolved was teachers now have an option to teach on computers and make learning more interactive. This is very helpful to teachers because sometimes they don’t have time to give each individual student the one on one time they need. With having computers or other sources of learning available it will make students feel more comfortable. Many times students don’t like to ask questions and as a result they struggle with their school work. I was one of those students and I am till this day. I don’t like to ask any of my professors for help. I may go to a student or to the internet for help. I feel embarrassed if I ask for help. I feel as if I am not intelligent. But with technology I won’t have to feel this way. “Students in the far reaches of the room can now get as much attention as those in the front.”(2007 Genealogic Report) As I mentioned before many students feel better when outside help is allotted to them.
J.Lam states “currently there are at least twenty-five million illiterate people in this country and the numbers are increasing rapidly. By 2050 the African American and Hispanic community population will increase twenty to forty percent.” By having technology in classrooms it will help enhance students learning. In this case and many others technology comes as a positive case not a negative for helping other to read.
There are programs available that teaches children how to read. Hooked on Phonics enhances vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, phonetic awareness and systematic phonics (starfall.com) Many parents want their children to become more advanced than their classmates. As a result parents buy educational games and programs that will enhance their children’s learning. Many of these laptops are built for educational purposes only. These types of computers target math, reading, science spelling and other programs (V-tech).
Technology can be used to help teachers understand their students and to even make lessons more interactive. Television is a very interactive progress where students can see a visual. Many students progress better when seeing a visual for example a slideshow. Blogs are also a good way of communicating with students. According to Dan McDowell “Blogs allow teachers to bring the topics beyond the confines of the classroom and expand the discussion all students in a given class.” Students can comment on each other post. If one student is having a problem then other students can come in and give suggestions on how to solve the problems. This can also prepare students for college. In many colleges students have to create an E portfolio, in some cases this can be used on a job interview.
Works Cited
Distance Education and the TEACH Act. Kenneth D. Crews/american libaray association. Web. 5 Oct. 2009.
Blogging techniques for the K12 classroom. Dan McDowell/encyclopedia of educational technology, 2004. Web. 26 Oct. 2009. .
Carmen Sandiego. Wikipedia, 1 Nov. 2009. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. .

Classroom Technology & Teacher-Student Interaction. GenevaLogic, 2007. Web. 5 Oct. 2009.
Does the Use of Technology Improve a Child’s Learning Experience in the Classroom? by Tara Agnesini, Celena Ragkaswar and Jamie Bunsis. Chris pearson, 4 Oct. 2009. Web. 5 Oct. 2009. .

Dora the Explorer. Wikipedia, 31 Oct. 2009. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. .

Reading Rainbow. Wikipedia, 31 Oct. 2009. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. .

Sesame Street. Wikipedia, 1 Nov. 2009. Web. 2 Nov. 2009. .

Star fall, 2007. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. .

Technology in Classroom. Jamshed N. Lam, 2007. Web. 5 Nov. 2009. .

Vtech kids. Web. 30 Nov. 2009.
http://www.vtechkids.com/.

Well I think im doing okay. I need to others read my draft(in progress). I ahve a clear topic and many sources. My one problem is i dont want to use quotes that have no purpose or are left alone.

draft

Untitled

Many people fail to realize that school is a second home. Most of the student’s day is spent in school. But some teachers and fail to realize that they have a lot of influence over their students. With a lesson, it is up to the teachers to in gage and inspire their students. There are many ways a teacher can reach out to a student; a lesson can be lectured, taught on computers, work books and even television. But I believe the most beneficial way a student can be interested in learning is through technology. But with the fast pace of technology teachers have to watch out because soon computers may just take their job.
Before a law was passed by congress to have at least one computer in every classroom, it was a very dreary sight. According to the American Library Association, on “November 2, 2002 the Teacher, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act (TEACH Act) ……. Was signed by President Bush. But the bill didn’t come into effect until June 7, 2001. This act was to allow computer access in all classrooms. This bill was very valuable to everyone. If a student didn’t own a home computer, knew somebody that had or couldn’t access the library then there was no way they could do what was needed of them. But now computers are in classrooms which make it a lot easier for everyone. Schools are now adding computer labs.
While I was in elementary school, I had a hard time grasping math. I struggled until my fifth grade teacher decided to do something about it. While other kids in the class were doing their work, she took me to the side and gave me some work books that broke the process down. Due to the fact that there were at least twenty five students it was difficult for the one on one time that I needed. I would spend many lunch hours in the classrooms working on math problems. I began making progress and began making pretty high grades in math. By the end of the term I was the most improved student. With the help of both a teacher and a workbook I was inspired to learn.
Technology makes a lesson more interactive and less likely for a student to fall asleep. According to Jameshed Lam “One of the programs targeted by the NCLB is title 2-D-1&20 the goal is to improve student achievement through the use of technology.” As a result to this bill many students now receive homework online and can view their lessons online.
With the fast pace of technology, before we know it technology may replace teachers. Computers give students that one on one time that is needed that teachers can’t provide. There are several programs that advance children far beyond their years. One maker of such programs is called Kaboose. This company offer several games that children can play. One game in particular is Word Play. This game has a western theme. In this game the player has to lasso the proper definition for the given word. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego is another example of educational games for children and even adults. The games initial goal was to focus on geographic and historical events but later expanded into math, English and many topics (Wikipedia). These games are very helpful to students and even before future students attend school because, it gives them leverage over the other students.
Television is another way of ways children learn outside of school. There are several networks dedicated to helping children get the correct fundamentals. Such networks are: Nick Jr, PBS, and HBO Kids. The shows on these networks are geared to children between the ages of three to at least ten. The network PBS in infamous for such shows as: Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow and Carmen Sandiego. These shows give children a since of fun and a way they can engage in learning. While Nick Jr. has a very different show Dora the Explorer. All these shows elevate children thinking skills.
Carmen Sandiego is a very educational game as well as a television show for people of all ages. This franchise first started as basic computer and video games. The first CD-Rom came out in the year 1985 titled “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego.” (Wikipedia) Many years down the line the Carmen Sandiego brand expanded to making more educational games involving math, spelling and even time travel. As a result children were able to spell words, learn about the past and even enhance their math skills.
PBS network was the channel that started children programming; with such shows as Reading Rainbow and Sesame Street. “Sesame Street first aired November 10, 1968 and is the longest running children’s show.” (Wikipedia) The goal of the show was to keep young children interested and make learning fun. Until this day Sesame Street has remained the most innovative children show to date. Since the show has been around for so long they have to constantly change their concepts to fit in with today’s television. The show “Reading Rainbow” was another one of PBS creations. This show encouraged reading among children, to make this believable the show would have celebrities appear on the show and read books to children Although its season ended in 2006(Wikipedia), this show left an lasting impression on American Society. This show made it acceptable for people especially children to read.
Now with all these advances in television programming how can teachers keep up? Well a way this was resolved was teachers now have an option to teach on computers and make learning more interactive. This is very helpful to teachers because sometimes they don’t have time to give each individual student the one on one time they need. With having computers or other sources of learning available it will make students feel more comfortable. Many times students don’t like to ask questions and as a result they struggle with their school work. I was one of those students and I am till this day. I don’t like to ask any of my professors for help. I may go to a student or to the internet for help. I feel embarrassed if I ask for help. I feel as if I am not intelligent. But with technology I won’t have to feel this way. “Students in the far reaches of the room can now get as much attention as those in the front.”(2007 Genealogic Report) As I mentioned before many students feel better when outside help is allotted to them.
According to J.Lam “currently there are at least twenty-five million illiterate people in this country and the number is increasing rapidly. By 2050 the African American and Hispanic community population will increase twenty to forty percent.” By having technology in classrooms it will help students learn more. By having online articles and online books available to students

my progress

So far I have ten sources and counting. The topics I’ve considered are Technology in classrooms (all ages), Technology in classrooms in young children, how it can be beneficial to children and why education needs to be made more interactive than lecturing. The topic I picked it how interactive education is beneficial to children in k-12. I haven’t yet developed my paper but I’m in the works of it.

The topic I chose is how influential technology can be for students. I chose to narrow it down to the younger ages being that this is where education starts. I have three sources so far but I'm working on more. I have the bill that the Legislative history of the Teach act. The TEACH act is the break down of how long it took congress to administer the educational bills of putting computers in every classroom. I also have the teachers as well as the parents take on how beneficial thus us for children.
There are two names i have to look up and mention or even interview them in my paper. They're names are James Gee and Marc Prensky. These two are really big on media.

The articles I chose to write about are "Technology in the Classroom","Does the use of technology improve a child's learning experience in the classroom", and Distance education and the teach Act.
These articles all show the importance of why computers are needed in classrooms. As well as the advantages to having them. Many state it makes classes less boring and more interactive. "Distance education and the teach act" is an article describing the legislative laws that were put into place to get more computers in the classrooms.

My topic is, How technology influences students." My focus is going to be on children in elementary schools. This period is important for children these ages. We can see what works for children and how fast certain things are picked up.