Final 2Fer

Final 2fer

Throughout history, people have been infatuated with information and knowledge. Thousands of years ago when information was sought, it would be spread through oral tradition. Past ancestors shared knowledge in the form of stories to younger generations. However, that did not last, one day it was decided that information should be recorded in books rather than simply just spoken. Now, society has reached another turning point, with the invention of the internet books are becoming obsolete. Students and scholars alike are using a simple Google search, rather than their neighborhood library. This has lead to numerous arguments as to whether the internet can be trusted as a reliable source of information or if society should just revert back to books. The simple answer to this question is; No. Technology is leading people into a new age where, they have a myriad of information at their fingertips. Yes, with such a vast array of information it makes it harder to discern what can and cannot be trusted, but once a person can see the difference, the internet becomes a valuable source outweighing that of any library.

When a person searches a question on Google they are greeted in seconds by thousands upon thousands of results. Such a large array of information makes it hard to choose which website is credible. There’s the old rule of straying away from sites ending in “.com” or “.org”, but the reality is the majority of the search results will have those endings. This leaves a big spot for error. The choice of the wrong site can lead a student into taking fiction as fact. Possibly then this person will go on preaching such fiction and having other believe it. Looking at the world today there are numerous uncredible websites spreading fake news and providing articles that attract many people yet it cannot be trusted. This is where the problems of technology lay. With it the user has access to a variety of sources that a library could never provide, but in a library, there is a sense of comfortability and reassurance that is not available on the internet.

Another problem with technology is how easy it is to edit. Teachers for years have been telling their students to stray from Wikipedia, the reason being; none other than how easy is it to edit. Wikipedia is among the list of numerous websites where having an account bestows an unlimited amount of power upon the user. They can now go to any article and change it to say what they want. With this ability, it’s virtually impossible to know what can and cannot be trusted. Those writing the articles may not be professionals that are educated on the topic. Instead, it may be a young boy bored and decides to change information on a website for his own amusement and joy. Furthermore, just because an information exist on the internet does not mean it can be trusted. Groups and people can create websites to push their own agenda. If a student is not able to see that the article they are reading is biased, or at the very least inaccurate, then once again they will be treating fiction as fact. With technology students have to search more. Students need to understand what it is they are looking for and how to choose between biased and unbiased. This is a task that may seem simple but with a large number of websites in existence, may not be at all.

  Yet the addition of new skills brought by technology is not always a negative. According to a study done by the University of Southern Main; “49 percent of eighth-graders tested as proficient at writing in 2005, compared with 29 percent in 2000, before the state began its laptop program” This shows the benefits of technology. In a library, a student would spend hours upon hours searching and looking through a books where with technology in ten minutes they have searched through numerous websites and have found what they need. Like an article titled Computers are Steadily Revolutionizing Schools stated “Computers are used when they make it easier to do certain tasks”. Not only is technology improving the typing skills of people, but it is also simultaneously making it easier for everyone around the world to learn new tasks. A teacher can assign a student a research paper or essay assignment when the student comes back not only will the assignment be finished but they would’ve also become a better typer, but at the same time worked in an efficient manner.

  Technology itself provides the information already at the library, because of the fact every laptop, tablet, and a phone is in a manner a miniature library. When someone is on technology they have access to every book found at a library. The person can simply search the PDF version of the book, go to Amazon and buy it, or go to websites that will provide chapter by chapter summaries. This is a clear cut advantage brought by technology. If a book is needed for an assignment they can find it, and even if they can’t, there are search results that can be connected with the book to provide more information. When technology is being looked at in this manner it should also be noted how it takes out the hassle of carrying and travel. If a person stumbles upon curiosity, they have the ability to search up what is on their mind, without this ability they would have to wait until they are able to go to their neighborhood library. Even at the library, they may be forced to take out numerous books which would take up a large amount of space and time. Simply having one computer would provide them with all the information found in those books.

  Another one of the many points that have to be noted is technology is simply the smarter investment. In the short run, a $20 book is not as expensive as a $500 tablet, but the reality is the tablet will take a person much farther than the book. While the book limits its user to information of a certain topic with the tablet there is no limit. Even a book such as a dictionary or Britannica which provides extremely large amounts of information has its limits. A book cannot go on forever. Then there’s also the fact that books can become outdated when new information is found. This is where the tablet exceeds. When new information is provided it is already at a person's use and disposal. Unlike a book where they would have to go scouring for the newest version of the tablet, a quick search would provide them with the newest version. The only negative that could occur to the tablet is that it too would become outdated. However, the strongest processors are not needed to do simple web searches. Possibly this is why some governments are providing technology programs for students. According to the Maine Center for Meaningful Engaged Learning; “Seventh-grade students use laptop computers in a language arts class in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Maine's $37.2 million programs have provided laptops to 34,000 seventh and eighth graders and 3,000 teachers. In addition, supporters argue that laptop programs give students valuable familiarity with computers.” The efficiency, reliability, and overall engagement brought by technology is being seen everywhere. This is why it's being pushed into modern schools because simply put a laptop can do much more than a book.

  Humans are evolving and with that so is the manner in which they collect and store information. First, it was orally, then in books, and now it has become by technology. With this transition, there will be people that are against it. They will claim any mistake caused by technology as a reason why it should not be used in replacement of books. However, the reality is technology provides a better more efficient future. The world is changing and technology is assisting in the change. People no longer have to wait to hear what is occurring around the world. Students no longer have to wait to message their teacher a question. Technology is much more simple than books and because of how simple it is, everyone’s lives is easier. Research is easier, and people are learning new skills. When books were first coming out, the same was most likely thought of them. They were seen as innovative, radical, and a way to change everyone’s lives. It is now technologies turn for the modern age.

“Laptops in Schools.” About Issues and Controversies, www.2facts.com/printpage.aspx?pin=i1300020#i1300020_3.