Computers in the Classroom

By Teresa Bendito and Júlia Bolao

This new education method has revolutionized secondary schools. Students from 1st to 3rd of ESO own portable computers and usually use them in class. A lot of experts agree that these electronic devices will provide an improvement in education. Also, they say that parents will save a lot of money if they don't buy schoolbooks for their children and, furthermore, the weight of students’ backpacks will be reduced.

However, there are other opinions. We asked 20% of students (half boys and half girls) and teachers taking part in the 1x1 project in our School what they think about this matter, and these are their answers:

Is it easier to teach or receive lessons with a computer?

The computers are very good for 72% of students and they find the classes convenient, and easier too. But another 28% are convinced that their performance is lower and they admit that they get more easily distracted.

Twenty-seven per cent of teachers believe the same and prefer to use only the digital whiteboard. Nine per cent definitely don't like computers, only books. All of them think that this method should be studied more before being put into use.

Do you think that computers have improved the class?

Twenty-seven per cent of teachers and 72% of students think that the classes are enjoyable, but that there are many distractions.

Are there any problems with the computers?

Nine per cent of teachers say that sometimes they have problems with students who aren’t working or are on a different website. This fact makes classes difficult.

Which do you prefer: a class with digital whiteboard, a computer class or a regular class?

Ninety-two per cent of teachers like the digital whiteboard a lot. And most of the students prefer to use the digital whiteboard and the computer at the same time.

In conclusion, according to the students’ answers, receiving classes with computers isn't as good as was thought; only 72% were in favour, although the percentage of boys who like computers, 70%, is higher than that of girls, 43%. It is very worrying that 28% of students think that their performance is lower.

The responses of teachers are more unanimous, with only a few of them, 9%, preferring only books to the digital whiteboard.

These results clearly show that this new education method needs to be improved.