Synthesis Essay On Technology In Schools

Microwaves, MacBooks, and MP3 players all have one thing in common: they are all technology. Technology is used in schools across the nation, such as Empire High School which has replaced all textbooks with iBooks to make students excited about learning (Source A). But is technology always good? The Internet, a byproduct of technology, contains loads of information ranging from when Benjamin Franklin was born to how to conceal a dead body. “There is no quality control on the Internet.” (Source E) The lack of quality control means that students could be exposed to inappropriate material, on accident. Technology can both improve and hinder life, so when schools decide to implement new technological tools for learning, they must consider how it effects traditional learning, and how useful the technology truly is. Pen and paper learning has been the common phenomenon since man first took a rock to scribble on a wall, but learning with technological tools is not the same and
An MP3 player in an art class does not change the student’s art. But, Ester Dyson discusses how technology’s intended purpose was to give students more time. (Source C) Submitting a paper online makes it easier for the teacher to see and input grades, thus leading to inclusion of more formative assignments. “It’s as if the Administration were announcing that every child must have the fanciest scuba gear on the market – but these kids don’t know how to swim, and fitting them out with scuba gear isn’t just useless, it’s irresponsible; they’ll drown.” (Source E) Taking advantage of technology is great and will gain ground in future innovations. But, without a proper base for students to build upon, the technology is useless. If kindergarteners have MacBooks but can’t spell, is the technology truly useful or is it just distracting from what they should be