Should each student own a Computer?

 

                                             Computers have become an important and indispensable feature of our lives. Ever since its inventions few decades ago and the subsequent introduction of the internet, it has become and essential tool for many students and adults which usually have computer laboratories. 

                   Although computers are a great technological invention, contributing tremendously to man kind, it is not necessary that each student should own  a computer to be  intelligent and smart. Firstly, as mentioned above, most schools have computer labs which are accessible for students. Thus, poor students who are unable to afford computers can utilise the facilities at their schools. 

                  Secondly, a research has shown that many students do not use the computer wisely. Most computers have internet connections that help students with research as it contains volumes of data. However, there are students who use it to watch illegal and pornographic sites. Some even download pornographic images and distribute it to other students. Thus, if students possess individual computers, they may be tempted to visit these sites as there is no supervision from school authorities. These smuts cannot be accessed via school computers as the sites are barred by school authorities. There is thus, better control and supervision of students at the school  computer laboratories compared to students who own personal  computers. 

                   In addition, many cyber and internet cafes are sprouting in Malaysia. It is relatively inexpensive to use their facilities. Thus, it is not necessary for students to own computers which are expensive and whose technology becomes outdated every year. Computers at the cyber cafes are constantly upgraded as it is patronized by the public and the latter is charged a fee. It is ridiculous to expect students to buy new and upgraded computers every year. 

                Finally, there have been many complaints regarding plagiarism. Since the internet has mountains of information and data, many students download or copy the articles and submit them as part of their assignment. Thus, internet does not allow for creativity to flourish and students become too dependent on it. The conventional research is better as it forces students to visit the library and plough through the books to help them with assignments. 

                 Though there are arguments that can be advanced to support the advantages of having one's own computer. It is not necessary for a student to own one. There are many  computer facilities  which can be used for the purpose of research and assignments.