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ERIC Number: ED510953
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Apr
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Computers and Education: The Wrong Approach Continually Being Executed
Walker, Jacob J.
Online Submission
This opinion paper explores the use of computers in the U.S. Public Education System, concluding that technology is underutilized and not fulfilled most of the educational promises attributed to the tool. Drawing upon research and personal experience, the paper explores 8 possible reasons for the problem, including: the computer itself; not enough quality technical support; not enough teacher education; lack of curriculum and lack of time to create curriculum; decisions made by the uninformed, with poor data; school district technology purchasing processes; not considering alternatives or what solution is best for the situation; and self serving interests of the private sector. Two potential solutions that can be implemented at the local level are briefly explored including conducting small ongoing tutorial sessions instead of single day in-service sessions, and using embedded technicians within a department as opposed to having centralized technical support. Preliminary research of average technician to computer ratio in U.S. public schools is presented. Computer to Technician Ratio Data is appended.
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A