3.+Arguments+opposing+the+use+of+new+technologies+in+schools

There are a number of arguments put forward in opposition to the use of new technologies in schools, one being that teachers in particular and students, need to acquire some knowledge of how to use computers and in turn have confidence in using technology in the classroom, before computers or technology can be used for curriculum. As Jackie Halliday found when researching technology in schools the children and teachers, ‘realized that there was a huge learning curve to be undergone until they felt comfortable and confident with both the technical aspects and the web as a learning environment.’ (Halliday, 1999) . Schools that can afford all the latest technology and the faster internet connection will give their students greater knowledge on how to use computers; those children will have better experience and knowledge on how to use technology. However schools that can’t afford any facilities, or have older facilities for their students will not be able to provide their students with the same knowledge of those students who have the facilities. This will put them behind other students of their age group, providing social division once they come together in secondary schools or university. As Tony Smith MP states, “the cost of re-wiring one school alone can be around $100,000 while extra electricity for one computer is up to $300 for each computer a year and that doesn’t include insurance, teacher training or anything else,” (The Liberal Party News Page, 2008) Computers on top of costing a lot to buy, facilitate and maintain are also unreliable, it is quite common for computers to crash, and have connection problems or freeze. ‘Technical issues were often cited as a disadvantage especially is the UNITEC server, or the server of another site was down.’ (Halliday, 1999) Schools in remote places can also have access problems on the internet. Having technology in schools can also disadvantage children in many ways, their communication skills and personal relationship with their teachers would be reduced, and there is also some difficulty with using computers in general, for example reading and reflecting on screen. ‘Competing with other family members for time on the computer’ (Halliday, 1999) is also a disadvantage in the home for students. Halliday J 1999, The Graduate Diploma in Education Technology: The Development of an Online Programme, UNITEC Institute of Technology, retrieved 31 March 2008,  The Liberal Party of Australia News Page 2008, Gillard admits computers blow-out will cost the states and schools billions, Retrieved 6 April 2008, 
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