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Demetri Alexander-Lukas

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Debate: Should students rely on technology for their homework?

Today, students use ipods, ipads, phones, laptops, and different tablets to use the internet to help them with their homework. Don't know a word? Google it. Don't know the answer to this math problem? Use a calculator. And so on. Does this make sense?

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Topics: education technology
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  • Marie Binney

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    Nov 12 2012: This question encompasses far more than homework; it considers the fundamental roots of our education system today and how it has rapidly changed as technology has advanced. The proliferation of the mobile device, specifically among the younger population, has created an increasingly short attention span. Rather than demand our students learn to read, write and do math in the standard fashion, educators have adapted to this shorter, "sound bite", attention of the new generation. Further, educators feed the need of these children to be entertained and have created a form of "edutainment" using technology, media, info-graphics and quick lessons.

    Why do children need an iPad or a computer to learn to multiply? Or to learn a simple history lesson? Or biology? Take the homework question out of the equation. Did many of us not learn these lessons from textbooks and highly qualified teachers? Computer skills are separate from these lessons; I don't deny their importance, but they are not fundamental to teaching the core of the English language, mathematics or science. In fact, computers are often an impediment to teaching children how to spell and write. The cost of education is skyrocketing while the quality is plummeting. Ask yourself why.

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