classroom has had both positive and negative impacts. Computer education has allowed our students to gain skills that they will carry with them, has allowed them to cross international boundaries to work together, and has opened up the world and a world of learning that students a generation ago didn’t have access to. It has also had major negative impacts. The most common is that thousands if not millions of dollars is being spent on computers and related technology, that could be better spend on more useful things like new teachers. The use of computers is also leading to students not developing interpersonal skills for use “real life” situations. As well, very few new teachers that would be comfortable with the new technology have been hired, leaving older teachers whom are reluctant to change their ways. As well, the Internet has increased the workload on the teacher by the teacher having to approve websites before their use in student papers. ConclusionSince the introduction of computers into the Newfoundland school in the early 1980’s they have been either viewed as demons or angles. Initially the focus was on computer literacy, which produced hostility and cluttered up the already over crowded curriculum. In the late 1980’s computer education focused on developing the computer as a partner in education, and helped the computer find a place in the curriculum. In recent years the computer has become an invaluable educational tool. There have been both positive and negative impacts concerning the use of computers and related technologies in the Newfoundland classroom. The proponent’s point to the development of life long learning skills, development of team skills, and the sheer amount of information those students can access. The opponents point to the lack of teacher training and understanding, the countless dollars that could be better spent on other more useful things, the enforcem...
