Desktop computers in the classroom. Obsolete?

[joenali]

I have 5,12 year old desktop computers in my classroom. I want to get rid of them. My principal is making me keep two. I'm also getting an iPad, and have DVRs for students or small groups to use. I probably will not be using the desktops at all. I just think they are a waste of valuable space, they are slow and old. I think my kids would get much more out of an iPad, etc.

Would you expect computers in the classroom?

Would you be fine with getting old computers out and some new technology in?

Any other ideas?

[Redpoppy]

What grade do you teach? I don't think desktops are obsolete but if these are big monitors and not XP or Windows 7 I don't see a point either in keeping them. They might be okay if your students might need to type a report or go online, but I'm guessing there are other places at school they could go for that.

[chessie]

I would want at least < 5 years old for technology, especially with the students working on them. At least 2 machines even dumb terminals to have the basics, word, excel, power point, browse..etc. Locally, our friends had told us they were required to get tablets for their kids and it pretty much became their central for all assignments.

[joenali]

2nd grade and we do have a computer lab and we won't be typing reports.

[chrissy05]

I teach 6th grade and don't have any computers in my classroom (except for my personal district-issued laptop which the kids can't use). Luckily, I'm close the library if the kids need computers and we can sign out one of two computer labs.

To answer your questions, I do expect computers (or at least technology with internet access) in the classroom. Can you put them in a corner this year and then maybe get rid of them at the end of the year if you don't use them? I think I'd rather have as much technology as possible, even if it's old and slow.

[anonnani]

To some degree I kinda agree that they are becoming obsolete in the classroom. Or the screens at least.
My son is learning on a regular "huge screen" desktop in daycare.
But my niece is in the second grade an they have flat panel MAC's and laptops so I am sure by the time my son gets into actual school then everythign will be laptop or tablet

[justkeepswimming]

I just moved into a new building, and I am going from a 10 year old mac to six brand new desktops and a Smartboard. I am SO psyched!

To answer the OP's question, the 10 year old computer was practically a paperweight. I would bring the class to the computer lap or sign out the laptop cart if we needed the computers.