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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