Thoughts on Chapter 4

While reading chapter 4, one aspect of it stood out the most to me. The chapter included teaching with the basic software tools: word processing, spreadsheets, and database programs.I have the most experience using word processing in my personal life and when I taught. I found it interesting to see that these three were often referred to as the "technology toolkit" because they were design to save time with clerical tasks and make us work more efficiently. Word processing most definitely does that, and is cited as the most used software tool in schools. Both teachers and students are reported to use this software the most.
The chapter revealed that word processing has perhaps made the greatest impact on education for both teachers and students. It saves us time by allowing us to quickly modify documents and assignments much faster than by hand and typewriter. It obviously is more visually appealing and looks more polished than a hand written document. And it allows teachers and students to share materials easily. Teachers can also modify as necessary to fit their needs.
There has been many studies trying to determine the negative impact word processing may play in our classroom. The findings are mixed. The chapter cited several issues with word processing such as age to begin, keyboard skills, effects on penmanship, and effects on assessment. I can easily see concerns because I feel we live in an age now where computers are introduced at such a young age that children don't often see the value in learning to write on paper and edit. Everything is more exciting on the computer. I know I prefer to email people rather than write letters because that takes too much time and my handwriting might not be so neat. Young students need to learn proper penmanship. I don't feel it is a lost "art". I do believe we need to be cautious in trying to use word processing in place of actual writing but as students advance with progress, word processing is an important tool to learn and utilize. Is 4 or 5 too young to start or just right? Personally, from my own experience with my 7 year old, I can see the impact technology has had on him. I started him close to 3 on the computer. I waited a little later for my daughter. While I am glad he is comfortable on the computer, he often prefers it to other things. We as educators are most definitely dependent on word processing, and our students will become too as they get older. I think we need to be a little cautious about how much emphasis we put on it in the early grades in place of a well balanced approached.