There is an opinion, claiming that computers adversely affect the educational process. The proposal put forward calls on “to get into the habit of reading books, using their [children’s] hands”.

But I know the proof that computers conversely improve efficiency. For example, educational project OLC, One Laptop per Child, with a mission “to empower the children of developing countries to learn by providing one connected laptop to every school-age child”. brought in results. Recent researches by Dr. Zheng in the Office of Medical Education Research and Development in the research “Learning in One-to-One Laptop Environments” showed that it “increased academic achievement in science, writing, math, and English; increased technology use for varied learning purposes; more student-centered, individualized, and project-based instruction; enhanced engagement and enthusiasm among students; and improved teacher-student and home-school relationships”.

Supporters of the computer ban point that now youths “type their notes and papers on computers, instead of printed worksheets with exercises in math, teachers use websites where they collect math problems for the students to solve”. However, we need to admit that nowadays to interest and instill knowledge from the basic school curriculum becomes a problem when there is such a great temptation in the form of gadgets. Just with the help of educational computer games and programming, there is an opportunity to cultivate in children the understanding that the computer is not only entertainment. According to David Goodrum, director of academic technology at Oregon State University: “21st century view of learner success requires students to not only be thoughtful consumers of digital content but effective and collaborative creators of digital media, demonstrating competencies and communicating ideas through dynamic storytelling, data visualization.” (Campus Technology, 2018). So, this also became a good practice for future jobs, where mostly high computer skills are needed.

And if to speak about specific school subjects, computers are useful in the exact science. Research “Education Technology: An Evidence-Based Review” reminds us that “especially when equipped with a feature of personalization, computer-assisted learning can be quite effective in helping students learn, particularly with math”.

Supporters of the ban idea mention also that computers “hampers things like motor skills and the systematic thinking needed to find the correct word in a printed encyclopedia”. But, in my opinion, computers actually ensure the accuracy of teaching text materials as it has word processing software that provides spelling and grammar checking tool.

To sum up I want to point out that it is important not to stop using computers in schools but to pay more attention to compliance with precautions to minimize health risks. And this is grown-up’s issue to help youth with using computers properly and to teach them safety measures. It’s important to control good lighting, to change screens with an anti-reflective surface, adjust the display settings of computer that can help reduce eye strain and fatigue, help to minimize the risk for computer vision syndrome and neck, back and shoulder pain, invoking teenagers to take frequent breaks while using. Computers have revolutionized education and it’s leading to a promising future!