Question: Do students need access to technology in the 21st century? If so, why? If not, why not?
In my opinion, students do need access to technology in the 21st century. Although students should be able to learn without it, educators have a responsibility to expose students to new forms of technology and provide basic instruction. Our world is relying more and more on technology, and it is our duty as educators to prepare students for life after school.
Almost every job now requires some use of technology. Grocery clerks use computers to tally their customer's total. Mechanics use computers to test engine functioning. Call center employees use computers to access their customer's accounts to better answer their questions. And "white collar" jobs also require proficient use of technology.
The more students are exposed to new forms of technology, the less they will shy away from advances made in the future. My grandmother was not interested in using a VCR, let alone sending an email. But my niece and nephews are computer whizzes, and have no problem navagating around the computer or programing a DVR.
As students are exposed to new technology, they will learn to adapt to new ways of doing things, and should also learn to evaluate how helpful technology can be. For example, a new "gizmo" might not make them more efficient in their job; it might be more useful stick with what works rather than learning a new program just because it's the latest thing.
In my opinion, the goal of education should be not only to teach students what we already know, but also to expose them to new ideas that allow them to become critical thinkers.
