Computers in Classrooms

I have 2 little pictures in my family room: one says “teach me to count and I will number my blessings” and the other; “teach me to read and I will be forever free”.

It seems that all current discussion about education…. and there’s a lot of it… focuses on two other things: computers and money. The twittersphere, newspapers and carparks  are full of ‘experts’ wanting to solve all educational problems with more money (not sure what for!!) and laptops (ditto)  You would think these 2 factors are the only ones that set good schools apart from poor ones, that will turn today’s children into geniuses and put Australian back in the top 5 for  educational excellence..

I beg to differ. As a matter of fact, I strongly disagree.

Australian schools don’t need more money: they need better teachers with greater authority .

We don’t need to give laptops to every student:  we need to give their teachers respect for their work, time to prepare and assess well and support when they need to discipline.

For those parents who are being coerced into providing laptops for their children, or paying internet costs, let me ask: Have you thought through what a laptop will mean for your child, or do you just take at face value the common opinion that he/she will be left behind without one. (I use the word ‘common’ rather than ‘expert’ on purpose.) Think about the trouble you have with your child and the internet at home, then multiply it by 25 and you have some idea of what it’s like in a classroom for a teacher, even one who is computer trained. Even the best cannot supervise so many children with their voracious appetites for social networking and gaming.

Finland is widely known as having the best education in the world and it makes interesting reading to find out why. After checking several sites I found a common thread through the articles:

• Teaching is considered a highly prestigious profession, even above medical doctors. It is hard to get into and training is rigorous, both in content and practice.
• Teachers are highly respected by the community, parents and students
• Teachers are given authority and trust by the school and parents to do their jobs properly.
• Teachers are paid a similar salary to Australians but have less teaching hours, giving them more time for preparation and assessment. They know their students.
• The Finnish government spends $7,500 per student per year (which includes a free lunch). Australia spends $13,000
• There are no laptops in classrooms. Computers are provided in labs or libraries and are seen as research tools. Only one in five lessons require them.

Do your own homework, dear parent, before you join the throng wanting to put tempting technology into your child’s hands at school. The jury is still out on their usefulness and practicality. Talk to the wise and experienced teachers (someone with 10+ years in the classroom) before you pay out big dollars. One is not an expert on education if they haven’t done the hard yards in the classroom.

The best teaching is done through relationship. Ie a knowledgeable, wise and caring teacher who instructs, inspires, encourages, corrects and gives feedback to the young. This will never change, no matter how many gadgets and games we invent and try to flog off to schools to make learning more ‘fun’.

There really are only 4 fundamentals for your child to succeed at school: a good teacher, good books, a good attitude and your support. With these ‘tools’ in their ‘kit’ they could become whatever they want, maybe even a teacher!