A few days ago my friends and I were talking about technology. We started to discuss the topic that school children are becoming far too dependent on this equipment. One of my friends said that this is having an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. He also said that from his point of view, teachers need to avoid using computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to teaching basic study skills. At the moment that he said that I agreed. However, after, mulling it over further I would like to share my idea.

Without doubt, an increase in technology use inside and outside of the classroom is predicted for the next years. Some educators believe it is favorable because the students are able to prepare themselves for the job market, which is increasingly competitive. On the other hand, some teachers think that computers influence students to be less attentive mainly when they need write.

I have evaluated both points and I am persuaded to say that I acknowledge the theory that reading and writing of students has been affected because of technology. Nonetheless, I reject the avoidance of using computers entirely in the classroom and returning to teaching basic study skills because it is also can provoke a regression in the students.

From my perspective, it is essential a teacher be prepared to deal with both situations. In others words, an educator should know how to teach using technology in an appropriate way. This also means that the government needs to offers workshops for these professionals to learn how to do that. Avoiding or giving up of something because we do not understand how to use it properly is the easiest way although this way not mean we are creating a path to a mature a society. Without financing within the education system or modifications to our habits, we are not going  anywhere.

Debora Komukai, Upper-Intermediate