Pros and Cons to Using New Media in the Classroom

Pros and Cons to Using New Media in the Classroom

Published May 08, 2008

http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/21

Written by Grace Chen

This article discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of using media in the classroom. Twenty years ago, less than half of Americans did not own personal computers nor was internet usage common in the home. This has changed. Today, majority of Americans possess a personal computer and internet, or has easy access to both. Since twenty years ago, there has been an increase use of technology globally (cell phones, internet, I pods etc.). With this, wouldn’t it make sense to teach the upcoming generation how to utilize technology in the classroom? I believe this is the case. 

Some of the advantages discussed in this article were the fact that kids have had exposure to new media/technology at a young age compare to their parents. Kids still learn how to read the traditional way. However, they have also learn how to read other “text”, such as movies, television shows, commercial and other types of “new media” text.  With this advantage, kids are able to decode and process advertisements and other types of media better than adults. This could help them for when they become active members in the working world.

As of their having advantages of technology, there are some disadvantages discussed in this articles. Having electronic devices, such as television used as a tool for learning how to read instead of books or poem, will decrease a child’s ability to read. According to Grace Chen, studies have shown that “using new media is not a horrible tool to assist in teaching, but that using these medium as a primary resource takes away from students the ability to develop their imagination and creative thinking “(Chen p.1). The article also discusses how students today are known to have decrease scores in language arts. This may be due to over exposure to visual media. 

After reading this article, I have come to the conclusion that technology should be used in the classroom. However, I do not believe that technology should take the place of the essentials of learning subjects taught in school. However I feel that it could assist with educating students. For instance, students could use electronic books instead of hard copy textbooks or novels. Integrating technology in the classroom is important because of how much our world relies on it. In order to be successful and stay current globally, it is important for students to be educated on how to use technology in their daily lives.