Comments on: Audio cassette tapes in the classroom

By: Paris

Paris — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 06:22:55 +0000

I think that teachers will have to rely on old school techniques to a certain extent. It really depends on how fluent the teacher is with new media. If the teacher does not have a lot of experience with new technology then he or she will have to rely on old school techniques to educate their students. Is there a way for teachers to become educated on new media? Yes, of course there is. Will teachers have to educate themselves on new media by conducting individual research and attending workshops on technology? Most likely they will. Money is definitely a factor when it comes to moving into a new direction with technology in education. However, if the school does not have the funding for computers and other multimedia materials, teachers will have to rely on old school techniques to educate their students. Especially if teachers do cannot afford to buy multimedia materials and computers on his or her budget or income. I do not feel that all old school techniques are bad. I think it is very important for teachers to blend old school techniques with new ones in order to create a healthy balance for the student. I also feel that although old school techniques are still being used that what is most important is the message that is being revealed to the students. If an old audio cassette tape is being used that has good content and a great message that will help students to learn then by all means use it! However, I do feel that teachers should also try to the best of their ability to meet students halfway with technology because these generations as well as the generations to follow are technologically savvy and need to be engaged.

By: Amber Clayborne

Amber Clayborne — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 03:10:26 +0000

Audio cassette tapes are still used in schools due to budgets and older generation teachers. There will always be a place for older types of teaching materials. I grew up with audio cassette tapes. They are easy to use with easy buttons that are simple and self explanatory. Younger generations would benefit from audio cassette tapes through finding other options when CDs or MP3 players are not always available.

By: Randy Reed

Randy Reed — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 02:04:06 +0000

Cassetes work and they last a long time. MP3s and Cds are not the litmus for technological savvy. Also, even after several years tapes sound better than MP3s. I am all for using more technology in the classroom, but in this case we are talking about playing audio and tapes are just fine for that.

By: La'Keisha

La'Keisha — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:13:13 +0000

In my opinion I think that tapes will always have a place in the classroom as long as money is an issue. For younger students it seems great that they are able to handle and operate the tapes instead of the teacher doing it for them. The cds are nice and convient but only for the teachers. And it is the students that need the experience and exposure of independance and learning.

By: maya matthews

maya matthews — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:28:08 +0000

i think the best answer to why teacher’s havent updated their media tools is EASE. there arent many “user issues” that a #2 pencil and finger cant solve when using a cassette. aside from fastforwarding and rewinding to find the track or place youre looking for, its relatively simple to use and maintain.
cost is another factor. cassettes are extremely costs friendly while mp3′s can run 100′s of dollars.
while most people own a personal iPod or mp3 to bring such an expensive piece into the classroom is one most people would hesistate to take.
lastly, honestly, its a matter of laziness. while it doesnt take much to look up and utilize new media and technology some teachers either lack the drive, being comfortable in the current state of media, or they truly are too busy to update and transfer their current tools to new mediums.

By: Ms. Bush

Ms. Bush — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:58:35 +0000

Alot of times, there are some teachers in the school that aren’t up to date with “current” and “new” technology, and then there are some teachers who are aware of new technology. However the funds are not available, so teachers are being limited of what can be used to assist instruction. Audio tapes are still effective in the classroom, and should still be used. I do think teachers should be trained on using “inexpensive” technolgy strategies to keep the classroom materials “up to date.”

By: Chelsie

Chelsie — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:04:23 +0000

Audio Cassettes and other older technologies are still in high demand in our schools today. There are a number of reasons for this.

I do believe that it is in part because many of the teachers have grown accustomed to using these devices. However, that does not mean that teachers are not willing to use the new technologies that are available.

Thanks to a suffering economy many schools have had to cut many staff members and programs from their schools. That being said…there is often not enough money left to use on new technology.

Another major issue with using new technology for teachers is that they are very rarely adeqautely trained to use the devices, and they do not feel comfortable using it. Often times an inservice is scheduled and someone who is familiar with the device gives a demonstration.

I think that it is a shame that the schools systems do not find a way to fund the new technologies and proper training for teachers on these devices. Although the older technologies are helpful; there are so many new technology devices that do so much more, and are more effective.

By: Kayla J

Kayla J — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:48:43 +0000

I think that if something has proven to be beneficial to the learning of students in your classroom and is an asset to your lesson, it should not matter how up-to-date the technology is. I remember having several teachers using old audio tapes and even older projection videos and I never thought that they were too “oldschool” for me.
I think that as long as the cassette tapes are working, present the information well, and keep the student’s interest then they should continue to be used.

By: GlendaT

GlendaT — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:24:33 +0000

Have you ever heard the saying “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it”? Well that is kind of how I feel regarding using cassette tapes in schools. Why would you want to waste funding on updating things you already have. When they break then it would be wise to replace them with updated versions such audio versions that can be saved on a computer. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is important for teachers to include Technology in their lessons but they should also use any and all resources available to them. Since schools do not get enough funding as it is, it is very important to spend that money wisely on things the school does not have and needs.

By: Mary Dallas

Mary Dallas — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:29:06 +0000

I am a college student as well. I agree that the used of new technologies in the classroom would be extremely beneficial. The use of old technologies, like audio casette tapes, is still a good idea. Like the article mentions, they are cheap, easliy accessible, and durable. Durability is especially important for use in the classrooms with younger students who do not necessarily know how to take care of their things. The 5th grade class that I am observing still used audio tapes to listen to stories and read along. I think that audio tapes are still realiable learning tools.