The question that comes to mind in today's technology engulfed society is whether or not computers are a benefit to classrooms or a huge detriment to the students. The capabilities of a computer is endless and it's knowledge is just as deep. So why keep them away from students if that's the case? Shouldn't computers, and the internet be accessible in a classroom?
While it is true that computers can be a great benefit for classrooms and their students, studies show that people with laptops not only get lower marks, the people around the people with their laptops grades also decrease. This shouldn't normally be the case though, because they're able to take notes in such a rapid pace. Your average words per minute on a student handwriting would likely be 31 WPM as opposed to the whopping 50-80 WPM for people typing. The underlying problem with computers in classrooms is the distractions that come alongside it. A computer can carry a large arsenal of programs. Though some of them are useful for a classroom, others are for outside of school activities such as games, music and the giant which is the internet.The computer doesn't just stop at distracting the user, however. The click-clackity of a mechanical keyboard can be a huge annoyance to the students around the user, making verbal lessons harder to focus on for these students as well.
Laptops can still be useful in a school environment though. They grant the ability to connect a student and teacher greater interactions. They've also shown to increase the rate of student participation and motivation. But this doesn't even out with the cons the laptop can bring.
I believe that constant laptop use is a poor habit in a classroom and should not be promoted for education purposes. It still is possible to balance out the use of computers in a classroom for different sorts of activities. The use of a laptop is shown to take quicker notes than someone handwriting when a teacher is doing a lecture. However the student does not absorb the information as well as the student is when handwriting. By knowing this we can determine in which situation a computer is appropriate in classroom. For doing activities, a laptop can do wonders for a teacher and student. For note-taking and lectures, you can grab a pencil and paper and keep writing for now.
I agree with your conclusion a hundred percent. You mentioned that when you are writing as opposed to typing down notes, the student understands better. That is something that I agree to, judging from my own experience. Constant use of laptops in class is a poor habit, however using it once in a while for something to search up or using a dictionary could be helpful. This could also be seen as a different view. If the teacher(s) have given full access to use computers during class and they abuse it, then it will only affect the student by resulting in a bad grade. From this, only the student would be harming him/herself by abusing a privilege. I do although agree with what you have written.
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