Don't you just love computers? All the great games, and the Internet? How about for school? for papers and homework? They certainly make a lot of things faster and easier to do. As a result, they are becoming as common in our schools as desks and chairs.
Have you ever wondered whether computers can actually help you to learn? Teachers have begun to wonder about that, although it seems a little late, since "information technology" (信息技术) — IT is already in school around the country. The question of the effect of computers on learning has started a heated argument among parents, teachers and experts.
Those people who support having computers in classrooms point to the excitement that students have in using new technology. They see the Internet as a source (资源) of information without limit that allows all schools to be the same. With the Internet, even students in small middle schools can reach the same amount of information as students in large universities. This gives all students the chance to learn how to obtain information - an important skill needed by everyone.
Those who support technology argue that computers can become a "second teacher", allowing each student to be more active in the classroom. This extra teacher may help students who don't do well under usual teaching methods. In addition, they argue that computer experience is needed for the future life and career of every student. For that reason alone, they feel that the use of computers in education is important.
These points seem to show that computers make learning more interesting, but do they help us learn more? Many experts don't think so. Some believe that while computers are useful tools, they shouldn't be at the center of learning for students. According to these experts, students need to learn about new technologies for their future, but this doesn't mean that schools should make IT the center of every school subject.
Some suggest that IT can even damage students' learning. They believe that students may be distracted (分心) by computer games and the Internet. At one university 42% of the non-passing students said spending too much time on computers and the Internet had led to their failure (失败). Those against computers in the classroom say that computers can certainly teach one thing-how to waste time.
In addition, some people have begun criticizing how technology affects one's ability to think. One idea is that the use of computers may speed up our thinking, but only on the surface. Such fast thinking occurs when we quickly go from page to page and idea to idea. According to some, this type of surface thinking limits our ability to form deep thoughts, make arguments, and examine the deep meaning of things.
Technology is certainly the answer to a lot of questions, but does it help us learn more? That is partly for you to decide, especially when your education may be affected by the result.
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