The Public Thinks Laptops Shouldn't Be Allowed in Class Until High School

by SodaHead Infographics Posted 2012/08/20 14:00:00

Related Topics: Technology, School, Laptops, Infographic, Public Opinion

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Technology has become an integral part of life in most parts of America, but some people are still concerned about how we introduce it to young people. As kids prepare to head back to school, we were curious to find out how long the public thinks schools should wait before allowing laptops or tablets in the classroom, whether or not cell phones should be allowed in class, and whether textbooks should go digital. We also asked people to name their favorite and least favorite subjects in school, and to weight in on the college question -- does college still better your career? Let's dive.

+14

Professor Wizard 2012/08/20 20:31:51

+6
I"m old.

When I went to school, we are NOT allowed to have a calculator in math class, because the teacher wanted us to learn the math, not learn to use a calculator.

Now that I am in the real world, I see what he was talking about, because I encounter people every day that can't perform the most basic of math functions without one.

I believe all technology should be avoided until High School, except when it specifically is a tool for the teacher to use teach a skill.
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SteveMa... to Obsessi... 2012/08/20 22:59:09 (edited)

+3
Computers and all that are making kids stupid...not smart. Most kids i know have no idea how to use lawn mower or a hammer or simple stuff like that... I dont want my kids to be tech smart and real world dumb. Half the b.s schools teach arent even used as a part of daily life... I was making 90grand a year with out hardly ever usuing a computer and with no college education... I was doing real work... And i learned it all the old fashion way... Actually getting out there and doing it till i got it right... Landscape designdesign and lawn care... Was doing great till Mr i hate america came along and destroyed the economy.

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TheEbon... to SteveMa... 2012/08/22 23:49:38

+1
Okay, I don't think computers are making us stupid, I mean it can be distracting but I don't get how it's making us dumb.

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SteveMa... to TheEbon... 2012/08/23 00:25:01

+1
Technology has made people lazy and dumb...if you cant see how then your probably a victim your self.

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TheEbon... to SteveMa... 2012/08/23 02:16:12

+1
Eh, rude much?

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Red Branch to TheEbon... 2012/09/11 16:40:51

I believe the focus is on 'learn how to learn' and then the students can find the info when they need it. They seem to lack a knowledge base so that decisions can be made on the spot.

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TheEbon... to Red Branch 2012/09/11 23:34:41

Yeah, but most adults look at you like you're pathetic if you use a computer or calculator, and when you disagree with their statement, all of a sudden your stupid, and I HATE IT!!!! Especially when I'm probably smarter than some of them. :(
Sorry, blowing off steam....

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bob h. to SteveMa... 2012/09/15 00:19:57

OK, so your kids wants to know something; he gets on a bike, goes to the library, asks around, finds the book, sits around all afternoon looking for it. peddles home and he knows the answer. His snooty friend, types it into his Smart Phone. Case closed. Next question It's 2012, there are a lot more questions than 50yrs ago.

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bob h. to SteveMa... 2012/08/20 20:43:54

+1
When I was a kid, the store owner would write the price of everything on the paper bag that he put the stuff in. Get it?

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bob h. to SteveMa... 2012/09/15 00:13:21

So home school him.

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Valerie© 2012/08/20 18:25:11

+2
I think there's certain ways each can be incorporated into the school day (and this is just what I wish I had in High School)

a tablet... to take pictures of notes (study) and/or too read etextboooks
a laptop... to right long research papers in class (seldom used)
a "smartpen"... to record the teacher's lecture

However, I see no use for smartphones. If there was an emergency, you could be reached through the secretary or announcement system.

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CocaCol... to Valerie© 2012/08/23 21:22:30 (edited)

My children are in third grade. They have supervised computer time both in and out of school, to learn to use the technology appropriately. Running around with a smart phone at an age where their ability to unlock full internet access may well exceed their judgement, not to mention their interest in their studies? No way. There is a time, place and manner for just about everything.

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Valerie© to CocaCol... 2012/08/23 21:53:17

I'm a little confused...your verbs and imagery lean towards hostile, but your text agrees with mine?

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CocaCol... to Valerie© 2012/08/23 22:40:01

+1
Sorry for any mixed message, it's a topic on which I happened to be in a rather heated discussion with someone elsewhere earlier today. I do agree with you. ;)

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MW121 2012/08/20 16:47:16

+1
My daughter is one and she already knows how to use an iPad. She hasn't said mommy yet, but she can say iPad.. I don't think it's harmful it's just a different generation. She has just started walking and walks around the house carrying her ipad.. It's hilarious..

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nicstr2... to MW121 2012/08/20 17:01:26

+5
This is sad. A child that can't say mommy can use an ipad? Firstly...that's BS. Secondly letting a "baby" that can't say mommy walk around with a $1000 ipad is stupid or a lie. Angry bird and baby games don't equal "can use an ipad". I feel sorry For this child.

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MW121 to nicstr2... 2012/08/20 17:28:49

+1
She has my old iPad, so not sure what the big deal is.. and yes, she says iPad..

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Cameryn to nicstr2... 2012/08/20 17:33:43

+1
My brother was the same way with my parents' iPhone. He could play almost every game they had when he turned one.

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Lisa to nicstr2... 2012/08/20 17:36:58

iPads are $500... Just here to correct...

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Chocola... to Lisa 2012/08/21 00:18:51

They're even cheaper now.

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goatman112003 2012/08/20 16:37:26

+2
The equipment is expensive and can be damaged. If the child can't do the basic functions without the computer what can the adult do when there is no computer.

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Michelle 2012/08/20 16:34:42

+4
I think it absolutely depends on how and for what it is being used. My son (7) is special needs and we have found he learns better using his iPad than he does "traditional" pen-and-paper style. If a class is solely being done via technology, then there's something wrong. It definitely has its uses in this day and age, though, especially for visual learners.

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frank 2012/08/20 16:33:35

I believe that they should not be allowed until a child is in high school

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twhiting9275 2012/08/20 16:31:10

My nieces (5&6) go to school in VA. Apparently, they're starting them off young with iPads and all that stuff in school. Funny, I don't remember having an iPad, though I do distinctly recall an Apple II in school back in the day . Then again, it was considered a reward , not something you HAD to use.

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Farnsworth 2012/08/20 16:25:12

+4
Use of a computer should be a reward. Good grades, no discipline problems and good attendance.
Otherwise, no. Problem is a majority of teachers use computers as an electronic babysitter.

And please, any teachers that plan to spew that they don't, save it. I know first hand the panic that descends when the technology is "down."

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twhitin... to Farnsworth 2012/08/20 16:28:12

Exactly!

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Michael 2012/08/20 15:11:50

+1
I would like to see the results from parents with school age children only. Wonder if they are more reasonable.

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Torchmanner ~PWCM~JLA 2012/08/20 15:02:29

+2
Learn the old fashion way. Save the computer for home.

Social/political classes should be prohibited from public school education.

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Bibliop... to Torchma... 2012/08/20 15:11:23

Should history class also be prohibited? Sociology and Political classes exist because they are necessary.

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nicstr2... to Bibliop... 2012/08/20 17:03:28

Not the same

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Sister Jean 2012/08/20 14:35:01

+1
good if used as a tool

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Kat 2012/08/20 14:23:58

+4
They should learn how to do stuff without them. I hate shopping when the computers are down and people can't run a simple calculator.

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Fef 2012/08/20 14:21:49

+3
funny... college and high school kids think college matters to a securing job.... but only 50% or less of full-time and unemployed agree. I guess kids believe all the hype

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Torchma... to Fef 2012/08/20 15:00:23

+1
Education is the reason that I'm working right now. I don't like the liberal garbage that is taught in schools these days though.

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Bibliop... to Fef 2012/08/20 15:13:01

+3
Have you spent any time around large numbers college students? They're more sophisticated than you may think. Give them credit for working hard and pursuing the topics that interest them, Anyone who thinks that college guarantees employment is either a moron or deluded.

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DemonChild 2012/08/17 16:59:36

My High school next year is giving all of us students a free laptop. I hate it!

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Bibliop... to DemonChild 2012/08/20 14:37:10 (edited)

Wat. I'll take it off your hands.

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DemonChild to Bibliop... 2012/08/20 17:39:15

Sure! Come to UT!

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brian.southworth.921 2012/08/17 16:37:37

Kids need to use their minds and not their calculators or computers. Technology should be an aid for man, not a dependence. It is too easy for kids to use the computers for finding or solving answers. Its harder to have to memorize things or know how to use a mathematical theorum without the aid of computers. One makes you truly smarter the other knowledgeable with aid. Also, I'm in college and personally, I see way too many students on Facebook than looking at relative material. Sometimes it becomes a distraction when I am trying to pay attention and flashes of screens catch my eye and break my concentration. I know some use them properly, but I don't see why students can't just use a pen and notepad. Besides, it is a great way to learn tactilely. And sometimes logical connections in learning can be easily written in the margins of notes when a student gets that eureka moment. It can all be easily transcribed into their laptops after class and that is also another good way to learn as well.

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rand 2012/08/17 15:20:22

+2
These are the same geniuses whose majority is in denial of the science of evolution. Public opinion in the U.S. is often ignorant. Any assistance which will enhance the process of learning should be used at the earliest opportunity with those who can benefit. The greatest sin of modern education is in how it kills the inherent love of learning.

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