How Technology Is Changing Education

 What we remember about our school days: chalkboards, cursive writing, heavy textbooks and the Dewey Decimal System. What our children will remember about their school days: computers, eBooks, cell phones and texting. Education today isn’t at all like it used to be. And while parents and teachers overwhelmingly believe it’s important for schools to make good use of technology in educating students (according to Hart Research for LEAD, 2012), replacing the old with the new is still taking time for a lot of us to get used to.

Did you know that at least 41 states do not require public schools to teach cursive reading or writing? It’s true. Because Common Core standards don’t require cursive instruction, public schools are more likely to drop or de-emphasize it. Instead of cursive writing, the standards promote keyboard skills because its tests are taken on computers. Many schools—even before Core standards and in response to No Child Left Behind laws—had already cut their curricula mostly to the subjects being tested by their states. In fact, as early as the 1990s, cursive writing was getting less and less classroom time. While some parents may see this as an advantage, others disagree.

“I honestly think taking away cursive writing takes away from originality and creative thinking. I think cursive writing is an art,” Independence mom Vickylyn Acuna says.

Parkville mom Kelly Greeff agrees. “I’m disappointed in using cursive less. It’s a writing skill every child should know.”

With a world that’s so technology based, why bother with learning to read and write cursive? According to experts, handwriting training helps small children develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and other brain and memory functions. While some teachers may not see the importance of cursive writing these days, many others say that cursive writing is a restful, artistic activity for students, and it promotes perseverance because kids enjoy it so much.

Other changes in today’s education show up in textbooks. No longer are they filled only with text and pictures; today’s textbooks often include web-based sites with assessments, animations, videos, additional materials and other ways to support learning.

Ebooks are also on the rise. With the advancements of e-readers and tablet computers, eBooks are becoming more prevalent. But is this a good thing or bad? It depends on the person.

“I guess I’m old-fashioned, but I’m completely against eBooks,” Acuna says. “It’s a huge difference when you can hold an actual book in your hand. I think technology has taken away that piece in our lives. Books are a part of history—historical pieces.”

Greeff, on the other hand, doesn’t see a problem with this technology. “I am absolutely fine with eBooks. They’re more affordable and easy to read. Plus, they provide more options for teachers.”

Remember the days of being called upon to work a math problem on the chalkboard? This has also become a thing of the past as the disappearance of the chalkboard and dry-erase board spreads. In their place is interactive gaming, which has been receiving much attention as a powerful platform for student learning. Each day, new programs and web-based tools are teaching our students content that was once on paper or written on the board.

Technology also allows teachers and students to work together from a distance and to stay connected on assignments. With web-based platforms like Edmodo, students and teachers can discuss homework, post assignments and interact with peers as they work on projects.

When was the last time you visited the library for research? While we still use libraries, much of our research and learning is now more web-based. What used to take hours at the library to find can now be found instantaneously via the Internet. The trick, however, is to know which websites are trustworthy and offer legitimate information.

“Both libraries and the Internet have their significant advantages and disadvantages. Not everything can be found online; however, the Internet can provide a quicker, more accessible way of retrieving information. The library, on the other hand, has an endless number of research pieces that are too old to be transferred onto the Internet for use,” Acuna says. “Both are excellent research tools, but I believe there is a historical value attached to visiting a library that’s lacking when turning on a technology device.”

Greef says, “I will always enjoy libraries, and I hope that continues for my children.  Online research is also extremely valuable with the right sources.”

With technology on the rise and in the schools, is there a way parents can prepare their children for the future of education? While there are ways, it depends on the parent and how they choose to do it.

“Technology is a tool that can enhance cognitive, behavioral and social growth and development. The more we allow and encourage our kids to explore the essence of how technology can improve our lives, the greater our minds will become,” Acuna says. “However, we can’t allow technology to replace our values and morals that can only be taught and instilled by parents.”

Greeff wholeheartedly agrees. “Parents need to provide a solid home life and promote good family values and manners,” she says. “Computer skills are a must, but our children need a foundation.”

Liberty mom and author Gina Klein believes the overuse of technology and laptops in schools can make our children become obsessed with needing a screen in front of them at all times. Therefore, screen time is very limited in her house.