Yang Lu Summary of “The Myth of Computer in the Classroom” 5th Feb In the article “The Myth of Computer in The Classroom”. Author David Gelernter believes that computer in the classroom can be helpful if people use it in the right way; however, it could be a disaster if people use it in the wrong way. Gelernter claimed three issues for put computer in school. First is the decline of literacy. Gelernter use multimedia as an example, the function of multimedia is to combine word, sound and picture together into a video.
Proof: * “In discussion, teachers pointed out that since it is the policy of the Washougal School District to assign an alternative book to any student who objects on any grounds to reading an assigned one, the attempt to prevent a whole class from reading a book was an attempt to change policy, replacing free choice by censorship” – pg, 257, 1st paragraph * “Censorship, here or in Russia or wherever, is absolutely anti-democratic and elitist. The censor says: You don’t know enough to choose, but we do so you will read what we choose for you and nothing else. The democrat says: The process of learning is that of
In her article, Dowd argues against the use of such application like RoomBug and website like URoomSurf.com by claiming that, first of all, being able to choose their own roommates would block out the opportunity for students to mature socially. She contends that being put into the same dorm room with people students don’t like or find it difficult to live which can “toughen you[the student] up and broaden you[the students] out for the rest of your[the students’] life”. However, though the statement is true in some parts, the writer has overlooked another crucial point: a dormitory is not the only place people can learn how to live with others. Students have to communicate with other people apart from their roommates in daily life. For example, students will need to converse and work with other students while preparing for a group presentation, discussing with their teachers after class about
Schools cannot beat the entertainment industry at its own game. What they have to offer students is the chance for intellectual freedom, the power to think for themselves…(Ravitch 163). In school, students are always taught to have an open-mind, how can they have an open-mind when they are being censored? Schools only offer boring, bland topics and cause students to lose interest. Students are so highly influenced by the media that if they aren’t hearing about violence, death, sex or lies, then they have the “don’t care” mentality.
She states that if we continue to participate we will be a “repressive society” which to me seems very one sided, she speaks to everyone in this essay, because she wants everyone to know that if you participate in the pc, we are not only being ridiculous but we are being a “repressive society.” This essay, or what seems to be an essay, is not an effective argument because of the way she argues, she does not see things from both sides, but she chooses to voice her side and why she thinks it is ridiculous! By just reading the essay once, made me believe that this is not a great essay or argumentative essay why? Because she just argues her point and not seeing it through how other people think of it, just her point of view. As I have stated in my introduction,
If schools adopt this new form of punishment, students will become more respectful of the rule set in place by the school about leaving campus. At schools where the measure has already been adopted; students are leaving without permission less and less. The effectiveness of billiam vs. in-school suspension has no comparison. The difference that the alternative punishment makes is very clear to not only school officials, but to students as well. In order to cut down on the number of students who leave school without permission, schools should do away with their inadequate in-school suspension policy, and adopt the new alternative policy known as billiam.
The problem in the school structure that Graff recognizes is lack of persuasion to get students to argue. This holds true in my personal experiences in academics. Despite the fact the educating administration is trying to avoid violent disputes because of arguments, they fail to see that properly structured arguments are the best way to avoid violence. Without the school system instilling the ideas and values of argument, students will lack an outlet for an argument consisting of words and are more likely to resort to violence for resolution. In a section of Gerald’s essay he advocates that educated conversation be shared with uneducated audiences as a basis for understanding any scholarly topic as well as a basis for a strong argument.
The online open source encyclopedia Wikipedia has become a serious controversial issue in the academic world. Educators all over the world are perplexed at the idea that students should be able to use Wikipedia as a credible source. Two college professors wrote two essays with completely different view points on the issue. On the side against using Wikipedia as a scholarly source is Professor Neil L. Waters with his article “Why You Can’t Cite Wikipedia in My Class.” Then on the opposing side of the argument is Professor Mark A. Wilson with his article “Professors Should Embrace Wikipedia”. Both Waters and Wilson made some convincing points but Waters came out on top with better more convincing factual information to persuade the readers the downfalls
The research paper and its effectiveness at measuring a student's performance has become a debate within the educational community. Critics of the form say that in our age of technology the internet has made sources too readily available and therefore the essay type is obsolete. Yet, there are professors that would disagree and state they are encouraging students to think unconventionally. With good evidence on both sides of the argument it is hard to decide if this is an effective means of evaluation. There are more effective ways of assessing knowledge such as other types of essays and oral presentations.
Scott Jaschik’s “A Stand Against Wikipedia” quotes Don Wyatt, the chair of the history department at Middlebury College in Vermont, who contends, “Even though Wikipedia may have some value, particularly from the value of leading students to citable sources, it is not itself an appropriate source for citation”. Many faculty members feel similarly, arguing that students need to be taught to go for quality information, not just convenience. Wikipedia official, Sandra Ordonez, agrees in part, saying: “Wikipedia is the ideal place to start your research and get a global picture of the topic. However, it is not an authoritative source. In fact, we recommend that students check the facts they find in Wikipedia against other sources.