The increasing use of computers in schools

Studies were done by researchers at Boston College state that regular use of computers in order to do research and write a paper can improve students’ writing abilities. These students are said to perform better in schools than those who don’t use the computers on the same undertakings (O’ Dwyer et al, 2005). Researchers also found out that the students’ constant use of the computer results in higher scores in standardized writing tests as a consequence of their learning from producing drafts, editing to correct errors, and writing the final copy. In addition, computers have made access to information swifter as students do not have to browse through books in the library in order to search to gain access for hard to find data. Advocates of educational technology likewise believe that the use of technology in schools and the classroom has increased knowledge of students with regards to new technology as this helped them get rid of anxieties when they handled advanced technological tools (O’Dwyer et al., 2005).

If this technology is maximized and utilized by educators in schools, learning can be more effective and fun. It has also been documented that a more entertaining lesson provided by multimedia through computers has more beneficial consequences to learning than merely using the conventional methods of teaching or learning. The use of multimedia functions of the computer during presentations as for instance sounds effects, music, video, and graphics can keep many ‘distracted’ students glued to the teachers’ lectures or a peer’s presentation. It has been observed by many educators that the present generation or the so-called internet generation, have a shorter attention span compared to those of the previous generation. The explanation for this is that the youth of today’s generation expects everything to come in handy in just a click of the mouse. Indeed, the generation of today wants everything fast or wants everything entertaining. The advents of gadgets contribute to this impatience as the youth expect to be entertained every waking moment of their lives. Thus, the utilization of computers in schools can increase the attention span of many students.

However, many students have also used the computers for recreation and entertainment purposes. Many young people in schools where computer laboratories are provided have utilized computers to play games, chat with friends, or surf the internet. Still, most educators assert that the use of computers in schools will bring in more benefits such as the aforementioned and the disadvantages of it are just minor. These benefits are evident in the studies and research conducted by academic groups and educators who concluded that the long term use of new technology such as the computer could assist students in learning. This is further strengthened by the studies which show that students’ skills in writing improved especially on the standardized tests.