Computers “could harm learning”

Citation

(2005), "Computers “could harm learning”", Education + Training, Vol. 47 No. 8/9. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2005.00447hab.007

Computers “could harm learning”

Technology at school and computers at home can harm learning, according to a study by Germany’s Ifo Institute, at the University of Munich. The research found that children who use computers little fare worse than those who use them a “moderate amount”, but very frequent use of computers forces performance back down again. Computers are a major asset to the classroom or bedroom, as long as their use is supervised and takes place alongside active teaching methods.

According to Ludger Woessmann, a co-researcher from Munich University, previous studies showed that children with more computers performed better because they were from more privileged backgrounds. However, by standardising family backgrounds, the new research has turned around the assumption. Ludger Woessmann said: “It shows it is not obvious that just adding computers to the classroom will lead to more learning and computers at home can actually hold back learning.” He added that there was an “optimal use” of computers in schools, perhaps once or twice a week.

The research used data from the programme of international student assessment, a student-achievement test that also offers information on the use of computers. The study found that computers at home were not used solely for running educational software, mining the internet for useful data or composing better homework assignments – all things that would have a positive impact on educational performance. Instead, they are used for playing games, chatting and otherwise providing entertainment. Computers therefore displace other activities more conducive to learning, the researchers found.

At school, the availability of computers does not translate into higher student performance. According to Nick Clayton, a technology writer and former IT teacher, it is not the number of computers that is important, but rather how they are used. He said: “A computer is a tool and can be used across all subjects, particularly now you have the internet. But it has to be a natural part of teaching in the same way as books and other tools. And teachers need training in order to use it effectively.”