Chinese Educational Tech vs. American Educational Tech

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Chinese Laws

This new law looks to diminish not only the "twin pressures" (homework and tutoring) but also the use of online games and the worship of digital celebrities. I think that limiting the use of electronic devices to young children is important, but this seems like an overreach. Especially, when it states that they are considering punishing parents if children exhibit "bad behavior". The law is now setting up what a good and bad child looks like. Children are so different that I think this will create a mold that parents will try to fit their kids into. Instead of relieving pressure, this increases the pressure for both parents and children.

In a way, I understand why this law could be set into effect. In China, students are bombarded with homework or after-school tutoring. They have little time left for technology. With the new law, students will have more access to technology at home. They seek to prevent overuse as they want the time spent "resting and exercising". 

Technology Problems in Schools

The first issue brought up is whether it is an investment or waste. I think that this depends on how each district uses it. The first defending statement is that it gives students easy access to information. Instead of spending hours at a library, students can type keywords into Google and find relevant information. While this speeds up the process, it doesn't always mean educational problems are solved. Students still have to sort through the information figuring out what is important. This leaves us at the same point as before, but with even more money invested now. How does having students complete an online worksheet benefit them more than a paper one? It doesn't. Districts have to look beyond this. 

 I think that STEAM (Art + ScienceTechnologyEngineering Math) builds on the technology focus. STEAM builds critical thinking skills in students without removing peer interaction. After 2020, Chromebooks and laptops saved the day allowing students to have access to their teachers and classmates. If it was the solution, students would not be behind this year. Students had access to their online programs, yet they didn't learn. So is technology the answer?

Comments

  1. Cheng-HsienDecember 6, 2021 at 10:54 AM

    I do like the "limited time" for the idea of internet usage--but if that's the proposal and practice from the government, I would have many concerns!
    It's interesting when you bring up the concept of shadow education--the government censorship and political structures with the cultural values shape this type of phenomena--I bet it may be hard for people to understand how family and patriarchic values influence the individual perception of the world if they are not cultivated under this social and cultural context! I can't agree with you anymore about the technology--it is there before and it's just how we use it wisely!

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