Computers need to come out of classrooms for students’ sake

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Of course our students can’t do math. The reason is simple. Our schools are teaching them how to use tools, not how to use their brains. Stop allowing computer use in lower grades.

I can hear the uproar already. “We have to teach them to compete in the job market.” Bull. The technology we are teaching our elementary, middle school and junior high students will be obsolete before they finish high school. Wait until the last two years of high school to teach them computer skills. It’s not that difficult.

Here is the solution that has escaped our educators for many decades:

Do not allow computers, calculators or cell phones in the classroom. (Preferably not on school grounds either.)

All school work must be hand written. (this would eliminate the Google search, copy and paste from Wikipedia research papers.) If they have to write it, it ensures that they at least read it.

All homework must be signed by a guardian, or no credit. Hopefully it might get some of the parents involved.

No credit for the day if late for class, absent from class or sleeping in class. Again, this might help get parents involved.

Computer classes are mandatory in junior and senior year high school. Printed assignments are allowed these last two years of high school.

I know there are a lot of rolling eyes out there, but try it. Nothing else our highly paid professionals have come up with for the last 20 years has worked.

Marysville has been near the bottom in school performance for far too long.

Terry Martz

Marysville