Constance Watson

The pros and cons of a computerised education

A virtual classroom isn’t a substitute for the real world

issue 14 March 2015

Is internet technology turning our brains to mush? For those born after 1990, it is a constant fear. Most of us struggle to read a poster, let alone a book. We’ve overstimulated our prefrontal cortexes to near death through incessant multi-screening. Our brains aren’t wired to do anything except be wired.

But technology fans tell us to be positive. We should embrace the new world and its limitless possibility. In education, in particular, there is a sense of optimism. When I started secondary school at the turn of the millennium, we had just one interactive whiteboard. It immediately became the epicentre of the school. By the time I graduated from university, all students were equipped with their own laptop, and essays were uploaded electronically.

The students of the future will increasingly use virtual classrooms, whereby learning is delivered to them wherever they are. But will they learn more as a result?

Distance learning is nothing new.

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