This article discusses the arguments for and against having a computer lab. The article begins by addressing arguments against computer labs such as why have a specific room for something I can have access to at my fingertips or at my desk? They also use an analogy that people don't have to go to a special pencil room to write. However, I think the author actually provides some valid arguments for computer labs such as logging on. In a computer lab, you can come in and boot all the computers in the morning, and they have hibernating modes for schools that are going "green". However, laptops do not have the luxury of remaining on all day. Furthermore, the power of a laptop may not always be reliable. It may have a 6 hour power period that deteriorates within a couple months and just as you're getting to the end of a lesson a student may lose power in the laptop. Also, when the entire class is opening laptops and trying to log on, it may take longer than in the computer lab. The author even mentions students' posture as an argument for computer labs. They write that if students who are taller have to hunch down over the laptop, it can affect their posture. While the author does provide some valid arguments and some may be a little far-fetched, I think it is a good natured argument and one that is debatable.
Do you think we should keep computer labs?
Are laptops in the classroom not always as effective as the class going to a computer lab?
What arguments would you provide for or against computer labs?
I think computer labs are still good to have in the schools. I think it obviously all depends on the money the school districts have. IF its a low income school district i feel a computer lab is mandatory. If they have money to use on technology i think laptops would be a plus in the classroom. I don't think its essential to have a laptop for every student. Money could be used for other improvements. I still like the idea of a traditional computer lab. I think laptops are affective but not a necessity. My only argument against using laptops is the ability to keep track of battery power. Like there is enough one teacher needs to worry about to begin with.
ReplyDeleteI am actually writing this in my school computer lab, while a 5th grade class is learning about the underground railroad. I think taking the students out of their classroom and putting them infront of a computer (without the distractions of what is in their desks and the homework that was due last night) is so important. They are so engaged in their task that I can see the benifit of using the computer lab.
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda on the fence about this one! My school now has 2 laptop carts for each discipline (science, math, history...) and I find myself choosing that over the computer lab. The only difference is more space, my classroom is half the size of the computer lab. I understand the distractions within the classroom, but think about the distractions on the computer. I see it everyday; kids in study hall playing games on the laptop instead of working on homework or projects that are due in a few days. This is a generation of procrastinators!
ReplyDeleteI feel that we should definitely keep computer labs. and that it should be kept separate from that of the class. If you have computers in classrooms you do not know if the student is pay attention or playing on the computer and unless the teacher is in the back of the room students can go into whatever program or website they want to. However laab time should be kept separate from the regular class lessons.
ReplyDeleteLaptops will not be effective in classrooms unless you have the class setup like a lab, this way laptops can be used for longer amounts of time because they are plugged in. In classrooms you cannot have cables running throughout and there might not be outlets for a large amount of laptops to be plugged in.
I strongly agree that computer labs should still be in place.