Education by Computer - Essay Example

?Education By Computer: A Better Way? Computer has changed human life immensely. Majority of the human life segments are currently controlled by computers. In our personal, professional, educational and social lives, computers are contributing heavily; however, the contributions of computers in education seem to be the most important one. In fact computers did succeed in changing the whole concept of education. Virtual world provides ample opportunities not only to students but also to educators. Distant education facilities improved a lot because of the developments in computer related technologies. It is easy for a student in America to take lectures from an Indian teacher now with the help of videoconferencing like computer technologies. Moreover, no other resources can provide the same referencing facilities as computer does. Instead of academic libraries, students now started to access online libraries in order to get more insights into a particular topic. Even though the utility of computer in education is unquestionable, some people argue that education by computers should not be encouraged beyond certain limits. This paper analyses whether education with the help of computers is good or bad or up to what extent we can rely on computers to provide better education to children. To be able to put the computer in an adequate perspective in education or in individual or social life it is necessary to understand very well what it is. Its main characteristic is that it is an abstract and not concrete machine (as, e.g. a power lathe or a bicycle): it acts in a virtual space, the space of the thoughts we may insert into the machine. So any use of it forces some abstract thinking (Setzer). Many people have the false belief that computers can bring wonders in educational circle. However, it should be noted that computers are working on artificial intelligence and it do not possess any natural intelligence as man possesses. In other words, computers are working based manmade instructions or programs. Since computers do not have the thinking ability, it cannot answer a question which is unfamiliar to it. On the other hand, human intelligence can try to solve all problems because of its independent thinking ability. According to Roger J. Desmond, a professor in the School of Communication at the University of Hartford, who specializes in kids and interactive media "computer games can increase reaction time, which can help with doing stuff that school requires”(Wood). Majority of the computer games encourage children to think in multiple ways to solve a particular problem created by the computers. For example, Prince of Persia is a multilevel computer game popular among kids. This game presents so many puzzles in front of the kids. It is impossible for children to go to a higher level if they fail to solve the puzzle in the present level. Thus, they will be encouraged to think too much while playing Prince of Persia like computer games which is good for them to solve problems in their studies. Some people believe that over exposure to computer related education may damage the thinking abilities of the children. Learning is actually occurs through problem solving method. In other words, when a student tries to solve a problem, he will think about various ways to solve it. Thus he may develop so many hypotheses initially and test all of them with the help of trial and error method before arriving at the right solution. In short, self-solving of problems may help a student to open up many of his hidden faculties of mind which is good for the brain development. On the other hand, when a student tries to solve a problem with the help of computers, he is getting ready made answers at once and therefore he may not get an opportunity to give some kind of exercises to his brain. In short, over reliance on computers for solving problems can affect the thinking abilities of the students. It is a fact that many of the modern students are struggling while they are forced to take some critical decisions in their lives. Computers have limitations in assisting a student in taking decision in his personal or professional lives. Critical decisions should always be taken after a long thought. Computers prevent people from developing proper thinking and decision making skills. “Computers improve both teaching and student achievement. To make tomorrow's work force competitive in an increasingly high-tech world, learning computer skills must be a priority" (Setzer). Computers can help both teachers and students to save lot of time. It should be noted that teachers need to refer lot of books before presenting a topic in the class whereas the students need to do the same for solving certain problems. All these processes are extremely time consuming. On the other hand, computers can provide instant answer to the all the questions asked by the teachers and students. Internet provides an ocean of knowledge to students. Research works on any subjects or topics can be conducted easily with the help of internet. At the same time, internet consists of lot of traps also. While researching a particular topic students may come across with lot many other things which may distract their focus on the topic. For example, sex materials are abundant in internet and many of the students get trapped in sex related websites while they are researching certain topics in internet. It should be noted that adolescence is a period in which sex hormones are hyperactive and children are extremely vulnerable to sex materials at this period of time. “In special needs classrooms, each student is able to go at his own pace with the help of technology. This allows the students to get individual instruction directly from the computer” (Hermitt). No two individuals are alike either physically or mentally. In classrooms, children with different intellectual levels are studying. It is difficult for the teacher to provide enough attention to each student based on his intellectual level. Computers help teachers in avoiding such problems. Students, who are searching for higher knowledge can rely computers for that, if they fail to get it from the classrooms. To conclude, education by computers has advantages as well as disadvantages. The important thing is how students and teachers are using computers in enhancing teaching and learning skills. Over exposure of computers in education is not good whereas controlled use of technology in education may bring dividends. Works Cited Hermitt, Andrea. “Pros and Cons Technology in the Classroom”. 2012. Web. 14 February 2012. Setzer, Valdemar W. “Computers in Education”. 2000. Web. 14 February 2012. Wood, Christina. “The Pros and Cons of Kids and Computers”. Web. 14 February 2012. Read More