Technology in Elementary school
Today many schools, from elementary level to university level are adopting technology in their training programs. It is easy to understand this because Information Technology (IT) has become the largest industry sector in the U.S. and it is spreading all over the world. Technology skills are key to good jobs and bright future so every parent are rushing their children to learn computer so they may be able to compete in the global market.
Last week the India government announced the adoption Aakash 2, a tablet computer that only cost about $80 dollars and planned to buy hundred thousands of them to their school children. The belief is these computers will help elementary school students in writing reports, use word processors and search the Web etc. Students will get better jobs because they will have the technology skills needed for the Information age. After the news is announced, other governments such as Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines and several African countries also announced plans to buy computers for their elementary school children too. The news is good for computer companies as their sales may go up soon. A government officer said: “This is an investment for our future, it is a small investment, and simply the cost of the computers but the benefit is great.”
As a professor in Computer Science, I am glad to see technology being used in school. I can understand that no country wants to be left behind but bringing computer in elementary school is something I cannot support. I do not see any real benefits in those early years of young children. I see no evidence of giving computers to young children will make them better or smarter. Learning computer is not simple as many people think because of the obsolescence factor. Thirty years ago, some children in the U.S were taught BASIC programming. It was thought to be a valuable skill for them when they grow up. However those who learned BASIC in elementary school probably never had a chance to use it because of the changing technology. Today, the main programming languages are Java, C++, Python, Ruby NOT BASIC. The same was true of learning DOS, or even Windows XP. Of course, learning technology will give young students certain knowledge on how computers work and allow them to be more familiar with technology.
Learning computing technology such as using word processing to write report or using the Web for research are good but these are just tools, no difference from pen, pencil and paper. While these tools may support learning, they can also work against learning if students do not know how to spell, read, write or do basic arithmetic. It distracts them from learning valuable things. A spell checker can validate spelling for a word but does not guarantee the right word. The Web can provide lots of information but it also overwhelm students if they do not know what they are looking for. Math tools can help students to check their calculation but it can give wrong answers if the formula is wrong. Without carefully thinking through how technology can be used, how students should be taught, how teachers could use technology to support their teaching, technology can add a more burden and expense to any education system.
The cost of technology is not just the cost of computers. There are obvious costs such as software, network infrastructures, storage, support and maintenance cost. There are also training costs, assisting costs, maintaining security and reliability as well as replacing cost of changing technology because computer purchased this year will be obsolete and need replacement in three or four years. Basically, bringing computer to elementary school is more costly than many people think and there is no evidence that children use computers will be better than other students.
The money invests in bringing computer technology to elementary schools should be used for something that truly can bring benefits such as better teacher trainings, improve classroom facilities, support children to have nutritional meals rather than making computer companies happy. If you are an educator, you should NOT look at technology as the solution but must ask yourself what are goals of education at elementary school? What do you want the students to learn?
Elementary school is the first place to develop future citizens. Young minds should taught about fairness, respect, filial piety, empathy, integrity and humility so when they grow up they can become good citizens who will contribute to making our society a better place. Young minds do not need technology; they will have plenty of time to learn about technology. I am sure ten or fifteen years from now technology will be very much difference from today. Having a tablet computer for each student may look good to somebody or make the school look like they are in tune with technology trend but education should not be something that look good from the outside but must be something good inside the minds of students. Parents should understand that giving young children technology too early is more harm than good. No country should rush in doing something because other countries are doing it. No country should be afraid that their children could not compete when they grow up. By giving them proper education of being good and responsible persons; by give them basic training in reading, writing and arithmetic would be far better. With a strong family foundation; with a good root to citizenship and be responsible for their country, they can learn about technology whenever they want and I am sure all of them will do well.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
