Attitudes towards Computer Uses

citations complied by Sarah Seeger

A Question of Effectiveness p. 1-6Education Week on the Web AUTHOR: Trotter, Andrew 1998

Discusses the question whether computers and other technology in the
classroom are worth the cost.  There is some difficulty in answering the
question as there is not a consensus of educators and evaluators as the
role of technology and how to measure technology’s worth.  Some of the
different roles of technology include preparing students’ for the
workforce, improving test scores, improving school climate, and
improving learning.  Proponents’ state that there is improvement in all
the areas and that evaluation is difficult as teachers are having
difficulties incorporating constructivist methods and technology (both
which teachers may not be used to).  Opponents state that all of the
roles can be gained without the use of a computer with different
teaching approaches.
 

Why Computers are Ineffective Today/ Problems Confronting Teachers
Chapter 7Computers as Tutors: Solving the Crisis in Education.  AUTHOR: Bennett,Frederick, Ph.D. 1997

One reason that computer technology is not utilized as it could be is
due to the lack of knowledge of teachers.  Teachers who do not have the
background on current technology are less likely to use the computer.
Even the teachers who do use computers find it difficult to incorporate
different programs into a curriculum.  Other problems in using computers
in the classroom include the different levels of computer skills
students in one class may have (thus creating the need for more
individualized lessons), having enough terminals for students and
monitoring how students are using the computers, and trouble shooting
when a problem with a computer does occur

citations compiled by Michelle Osborne
Classroom Management at Your Fingertips p57-59
Learning Journal, AUTHOR: Holzberg,Carol S., DATE 1995

 This article describes how teachers can use computers to handle a
variety of classroom management tasks thus freeing themselves for
more time on teaching.Shows first steps for becoming comfortable
with computers and describes five computer software programs for
teachers.

 
Computer Uses in Education p89-96
Journal of Science Education and Technology; AUTHOR:Young,Michael
DATE 1995

 This article gives descriptions of how performance assessment
tasks are linked to science curriculum along with examples of per-
formance assessment tasks.describes the role that computers and
related technology can play in problem based performance.

 
Understanding Teachers' Attitudes to change in a Logomathematics
Environment p155-176
Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics AUTHOR:Moreira,Candida
1995

 Describes and analyzes attitudes of two elementary teachers toward
mathematics,mathematics teaching,and use of computers in instruction.
Semistructured interviews,before and after a LOGO computer course,
showed that both teachers' changed their attitude,but only one
used her ideas in teaching.

 
Computers in Preschool Education p339-351
Journal of Computing in Childhood Education AUTHOR:Mikropoulos,T.A.
1994

 Explores the use of information technology in preschool education as a
tool for the understanding of ideas which are familiar to children in a
naive way.Suggests that computer programs can provide a safe environment
for children to experiment and play with processes and ideas and for
teachers to realize what students are capable of.

 

Ninth Graders' Attitudes towards Selected Uses of Technology p239-247
Journal of Science Education and Technology AUTHOR:Boone,William, 1994

 Presents the results of collecting attitudinal data from over 240 ninth-
grade physical science students prior to the integration of technology
into their science curriculum.Results showed that surveyed students were
supportive of technology in their classroom.

 

PROS AND CONS OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY 
COMPILED BY CONNIE CARLSON

Cuban, Larry. ³Cumputers Meet Classroom: Who Wins?²
Teachers College Record, 95 (Winter 1993), 185-210.
Cuban explores the positive outcomes of using computers to prepare students for a society that is technology-driven, and also expresses his concern that the reliance on technology in schools will corrode the crucial teacher-student relationship, and will interfere with the social climate of the classroom.

 
Lookatch, Richard. ³Technology for Teaching? The Research is Flawed²
TECHNOS, 4 (Summer 1995), 10-13.
This article claims that using computers in the classroom has never been proven to improve learning. Lookatch claims that all research in this area is flawed, as the researchers find benefits that aren¹t really there. The article expresses that computers are a valuable tool in education, but are not superior to other teaching tools.

 
McGrath, David. ³Computerize or Bust².
Contemporary Education, 66 (Fall 1994), 58-60.
This article raises the question of whether or not upgraded, impressive computer labs on junior college campuses are improving the quality of U.S. education. He talks with supporters of both sides of the argument, those who testify to the effectiveness of technology in their classrooms, and those who call using technology in the classroom an overglorified hoax.
 

Means, Barbara. ³Transforming with Technology: No Silver Bullet².
Phi Delta Kappan, 77 (September 1995), 69-72.
This article discusses the importance of having a schoolwide approach to implementing technology in all courses for all students. The key to successful technology use is to incorporate it frequently and consistently accross the curriculum.

 Natale, Jo Anna. ³On-Line School For Home Learners².
The American School Board Journal, 182 (July 1995), 34-36.
This article discusses the pros and cons of CompuHigh, an on-line educational alternative that allows students to work at their own pace without a parent-instructor. CompuHigh is an example of technology redefining home schooling.

 Thomas, Donald. ³Technology¹s Next Phase is Ready to Fly: Are We?²
TECHNOS 3 (Spring 1994), 18-21.
This article challenges the reader to prepare for schools equipped with telecommunications networks, and explores the flexibility of learning that can occur outside of the boundaries of school walls, and school hours.