Goodbye Pen and Paper, Hello Technology (Revised with Metacommentary)

We are becoming a technology-based society, encouraged by even the President, himself. But is this really what is best for our students? Today, every school is equipped with a computer lab, or two, at the very least. Some have even went as far as going “all-laptop” where every student has their own laptop for their educational use. Years ago, teaching was based on learning facts and having the ability to recite them back at a later date. Fast forward to the present, and you will see that everything is technology based. Consider schools, for example. They are currently in a transformation from text books and chalkboards to more interactive ways of thinking by using software integration. Some say that this new way of learning is more beneficial because what you learn coincides with everyday activities as opposed to the general learning in schools. The most comforting fact is that books are not totally extinct…yet.

Continue into the future one hundred years from today. All of this present technology is preparing us for the future, right? Not according to Clifford Stoll. In his article, Who Needs Computers?, Stoll argues that the jobs we have today will still be needed one hundred years from now. While it is true that whether it is a “dentist, truck driver, ballet dancer, salesperson, or schoolteacher” (47), technology is not needed to be at the top in any of these fields, the authors of Video Games and Learning will argue a separate point. In this present article, the authors’ argument is not that one needs technology in order to perform a task for a job, but that it will help one learn to do their job better. Learning strategies at a young age, in terms of a video game, help children get a sense of a real job is like. These findings challenge the common thought of many that video games are just a waste of time. Although, at one time, technology in our future may have seemed of concern to only those planning to work with computers, the authors of Video Games and Learning show that this new technology will help any profession in the future.

Whereas researchers used to believe books, paper, and a pen were the most effective ways of learning, new studies show that technology might actually be the best for our future. In short, soon students will be taught by computers rather than teachers, all homework will be done online, and novels and magazines will be issued through e-mail. The world is changing and we are all a part of it.

Goodbye Pen and Paper, Hello Technology (Revised)

We are becoming a technology-based society, encouraged by even the President, himself. But is this really what is best for our students? Today, every school is equipped with a computer lab, or two, at the very least. Some have even went as far as going “all-laptop” where every student has their own laptop for their educational use. Years ago, teaching was based on learning facts and having the ability to recite them back at a later date. Fast forward to the present, and you will see that everything is technology based. Schools are currently in a transformation from fact fetish to more interactive ways of thinking by using software integration. Some say that this new way of learning is more beneficial because what you learn coincides with everyday activities as opposed to the general learning in schools. The most comforting fact is that books are not totally extinct…yet.

Continue into the future one hundred years from today. All of this present technology is preparing us for the future, right? Not according to Clifford Stoll. In his article, Who Needs Computers?, Stoll argues that the jobs we have today will still be needed one hundred years from now. While it is true that whether it is a “dentist, truck driver, ballet dancer, salesperson, or schoolteacher” (47), technology is not needed to be at the top in any of these fields, the authors of Video Games and Learning will argue a separate point. In this present article, the authors’ argument is not that one needs technology in order to perform a task for a job, but that it will help one to learn to do their job better. Learning strategies at a young age, in terms of a video game, help children get a sense of a real job is like. These findings challenge the common thought of many that video games are just a waste of time. Although, at one time, technology in our future may have seemed of concern to only those planning to work with computers, the authors of Video Games and Learning show that this new technology will help any profession in the future.

Whereas researchers used to believe books, paper, and a pen were the most effective ways of learning, new studies show that technology might actually be the best for our future. Soon, students will be taught by computers rather than teachers, all homework will be done online, and novels and magazines will be issued through e-mail. The world is changing and we are all a part of it.

Outline for Synthesis

Goodbye Pen and Paper, Hello Technology

Synthesis: We are becoming a technology-based society, encouraged by even the President, himself. But is this really what is best for our students?

a)

a) 100 years ago vs. 100 years from now

a. Is there really a need for technology?

b. Do we really benefit from technology?

b) Real world Situations, Jobs and Video Games and Learning

a. Helping or Hindering?

c) Losing Social Skills

d) Which way is best?

Wired

When one thinks of a classroom, he imagines any number of students sitting at desks, rigorously writing, copying notes from the board in the front of the room. Or at least that's the way it used to be. Now, students are equipped with their own laptops which allow them to take notes with a few simple taps at the keyboard. In his essay, “Computers and Technology,” Richard Ohmann issues a caution to schools and universities interested in investing in new technology. Computers provide a communication tool for students to contact their professors for assignments and projects, but it can also hinder verbal communication. Also, computers provide easier ways for students to plagarize others' work. This article proves that there are both pros and cons to using computers in the classroom.

I agree with Ohmann's writing. It is very easy for me to relate to this article because my junior year I transferred to a school that was beginning its second year as an "All Laptop High School", as they liked to be called. I will agree that it made contacting my teachers very easy and research even easier, but it wasn't all good. My school would block sites, such as Facebook, Myspace, and the different messengers, but we always found ways around them. A single scrap of paper could make its way around an entire class with a series of numbers guaranteed to get you on Meebo, a site that allows you to get on every type of messenger possible. Also, sites like Ebay and other stores were not blocked so online shopping was always a possibility. It wasn't all bad either, though.My history book was installed on my computer so that was one less book I had to carry. I took notes on my laptop, which made going back a locating notes very easy, because I could save them in their own folders. When it comes down to it, I feel that computers in the classroom are, overall, a good idea.

Same Article, Different Views

When Zinczenko says that there are no healthy alternatives to fast-food available, I have to disagree. In his article, he claims that one will see more than 13,000 McDonald's while driving down a thoroughfare but what about Subway? There are Subways every couple of blocks, and it is definitely a healthier alternative than McDonald's. Some may argue that the calories still build up, but that is all dependent upon the customer. The customer needs to be conscientious in his decisions or ANY restaurant and become unhealthy.
Another alternative to unhealthy fast-food restaurants is to grab something healthy from home before you leave the house. This may take a little more work, but it is the easiest way to control one's calorie intake. Although Zinczenko firmly believes the blame should be put on the restaurants, i believe it is solely the responsibility of one's self, or their parents, to make sure they are eating right.


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I see where Zinczenko is coming from when he blames fast-food companies for this country's rise in obesity. Even fast-food restaurants that serve salads or claim to have a "healthy menu" hide the fact that these items really aren't that healthy. Although I feel that fast-food companies are to be blamed, I don't agree that bringing a lawsuit against the company is the right solution. Again, i feel that, ultimately, it is the responsibility of one's self or their parents to watch what is being consumed. There will always be an alternative to fast-food restaurants, whether it be healthy restaurants or buying food from a grocery store. A question that arises here is will suing the company really make a difference? i feel that even if menus change, people will still opt for the unhealthy choices. We need to make better choices as humans and care for our health.

Superferry -- proof of a "They Say"

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070903/OPINION02/709030305/1104

In this letter, Nancy Miller, the author, is arguing a ruling that a judge set in place that puts a restraining order on the Superferry in Hawaii. She shows her opposition to the "they say" in her initial sentence: "Firstly I do not agree with the judge..." Miller believes the ruling was put in place for unfair reasons. The judge feels the Superferry is a "burden of environmental assessment", while Miller argues that jets that leak fuel and large barges carrying a load of cars have the same effect on the environment. Miller ends her argument with a great point saying, "Please don't stop your neighbor's cousin from coming to visit. Why do you welcome thousands of cruise ship passengers with hula dancing and flower lei and marketing ploys encouraging exploration of the Islands, but not welcome your neighbor?"