Anja Balanskat, Stella Kefala and Roger Blamire Research Paper

Anja Balanskat, Stella Kefala and Roger Blamire - Research Paper Example In primary schools in Europe, the authors note that use of ICT improves achievement in English as a home language in addition to encouraging better performance in science and design in children aged from seven to sixteen years. Schools with well developed ICT programs and related resources demonstrate better achievement in all subjects compared to those with poor levels of the technology. However, better performance while using ICT in schools is realized if education policy makers establish favorable environment for effective application of the technology in educational institutions (Anja, Stella and Roger, 14). Use of ICT in learning institutions has remarkable impacts on teachers and teaching process. According to Anja, Stella and Roger(17) the technology increases enthusiasm among the instructors leading to heightened positive attitude towards their careers. Ina addition, ICT enhances their efficiency especially in preparation of teaching plans. Effective use of information manage ment systems while teaching encourage collaborative learning among teachers leading to better teaching experience. However, various barriers impede realization of projected gains of adopting information technology. These include poor ICT competence in the teaching fraternity, which lowers their confidence in the class while applying the technology. In addition, poor organization, inadequate maintenance of ICT hardware and limited access to appropriate ICT infrastructure prevents learners from gaining maximum benefits from ICT technology (Anja, Stella and Roger, 17-28). 2. Ellen, Wartellla and Nancy Jennings. â€Å"Children and Computers: New Technology, Old Concerns.† The Future of Children, 10.2(2000): 31-40. The authors examine the concerns of increased exposure of children to computer applications and related technology. According to, Ellen and Nancy (32), wired computer provides the modern society with new mass media including computer games, CD ROMs and the web. In Unite d States, about 60% of homes with young children aged from eight to seventeen years own computers that are connected to the internet with intention of learning (Ellen and Nancy, 33). However, Ellen and Nancy notes that the society needs to balance the educational benefits of using computers with the potential harms. The authors compare the recent controversy of using computer technology with the controversies that characterized application of earlier technologies such radio, television films and movies. Introduction of films in American society in the early 1900 was met with considerable support from parents who considered them as important sources of entertainment and education to their children. Later, the same society that supported watching of films especially among young children began opposing them on the grounds that they promoted immorality, violence and delinquency in children and teenagers. These concerns raised the issue of censorship and restricting access of various fil m and movie content to the children (Ellen and Nancy, 35). Unlike film industry that was regulated later after the society raised concerns about its effects on children, radio was regulated by the federal government immediately after it was introduced. Similarly, introduction of