Use of technology in classrooms affect results … – publico

 
         

                 

                         
                     

                         

                 

 
 

A study published by the Economics Department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) concludes that the classes without computers in classrooms perform better than groups that may use partially or totally the technology. The study is highlighted by Washington Post and relaunches the discussion in recent years about the consequences of use of computers in classrooms. The American newspaper writes that this study becomes relevant by the number of analyzed students, compared to previous studies.

The issue has divided teachers and educators and multiplied theories and opinions among experts in the field of Education. If, on the one hand, some consider that computers in the classroom are a distraction, the other the mold “dull and traditional” school is identified as the main culprit of the inattentiveness of the students. In 2003 , for example, a study from Princeton University and the University of California, warned that taking notes on the computer difficult learning. Writing in computers, students had more difficulty to remember what they had written compared to students who did their notes in a notebook. Already in 2014, another study added that the students had more difficulty understanding more complex reasoning when they took notes through a computer. To date, the researchers explained that students who use computers tend to transcribe the lessons and do not process the information, which harms the development of his reasoning and and their learning, reducing the responsiveness and academic achievement.

in the study developed by MIT researchers divided a group of students from the US Military Academy in three different groups in order to compare the results obtained in the same instutuição with the same teaching methods and the same study materials. The first group used computers or tablets to take notes during class. The second used tablets , but only to use materials related classes. The third group was not allowed to use any kind of technological tool.

The students were allowed to use the computers were the ones with the worst results. In addition, the study also shows that the best students were the most affected by the use of technological support.

In the study, researchers report that they have been surprised by the performance of the best students, they hope that they would use the technology in a “prudent”. Here can take up two possible conclusions: either the students overestimated their multitasking capabilities or who did not use technology managed to maximize their level of attention. Whatever the reason, the study concludes that the use of technology in the classroom, even merely serving as support, affect academic achievement.

“In an environment with fewer incentives to achieve good results, less disciplinary restrictions distracting and larger classes behavior, the effects of the use of technology may be even greater, “said the study. In addition, researchers believe that “removing computers from classrooms would be more efficient for the academic performance of a student than a merit scholarship.”