Q. The following appeared as part of a newspaper editorial:
“Two years ago Nova High School began to use interactive computer instruction in three academic subjects. The school dropout rate declined immediately and last year’s graduates have reported some impressive achievements in college. In future budgets the school board should a greater portion of the available funds to buy more computers, and all schools in the district should adopt interactive computer instruction throughout the curriculum.”
Discuss how well reasoned the above argument is. You will have to consider the assumptions that underlie the writer’s thinking. Describe alternative explanations or counterexamples that might weaken his or her conclusion. You must come up with evidence that would strengthen or refute the argument or identify what changes would make the argument more logically sound.
ANSWER:
The argument states that two years ago Nova High School started using interactive computer instruction in three academic subjects as a result the school’s dropout rate declined quickly. Last year’s graduates reported some impressive achievements in college. Therefore, in the future the school should invest a greater portion of the available funds in buying more computers. All the schools in the district should use the interactive computer instruction throughout the curriculum.
Firstly, I agree with this argument in general. Interactive computer instruction has caused Nova High School’s dropout rate to decrease suddenly as well as last year’s graduates have shown impressive achievements in college. This clearly indicates that computers are an integral part of the learning process. Moreover, things can be done with great ease by the help of computers. Time can be managed more effectively and efficiently. Students can manage their work more properly by using the computer instruction. The environment in the classroom would be more enjoyable and creative as a result students would be able to grasp more knowledge and understand the concepts more clearly. In todays’ era, almost every work we do rely on using computers therefore, it is essential that students must be capable enough and know how to use computers which would benefit them in the future.
Secondly, teachers find it easier to assign to work to their students by using the system. With the help of the computer instruction, teachers are aware of those students who have not submitted or completed their work. Grading of assignments, tests and exams can be regulated effortlessly. Consequently, investing in the interactive computer instruction would benefit the school immensely in the near future.
In conclusion, interactive computer instruction can be very helpful for Nova High School as students and teachers find it easier to manage their work. If the school spends a portion of its budgets in buying more computers, the school’s success rate will rise drastically and more candidates will be willing to join the school. Learning and teaching would be done with great ease and more students would prefer participating in the class.