Final answer:
Arguing that a technology purchase will improve student lives entails discussing the benefits of digital access and literacy in fostering educational engagement and preparing for the job market, despite historical apprehensions about technology's impact on cognitive skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
When debating the impact of a technology purchase on students' lives, it's important to consider the "because" part of the argument. If we take the position that such a purchase will indeed improve their lives, one could argue that it does so because it facilitates access to vast amounts of information, promotes educational engagement and fosters digital literacy essential in the modern workplace. To illustrate the evidence required for such a claim, consider how human memory differs fundamentally from a computer's memory. While humans can forget or distort information, computers store data with binary precision, which can serve as a valuable external extension to our cognitive capabilities.
In the context of academic success, enabling technologies such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones extend the learning environment beyond the classroom. This allows for an interactive and adaptive education, which can cater to different learning styles, thereby potentially enhancing the educational outcomes for a broad range of students. Given that many students may not have Internet access at home, providing access to such technology at school levels the playing field and ensures that all students have the opportunity to engage with digital learning resources.
By considering the historical reservations about new technology, exemplified by Socrates' concern over writing affecting memory, we can understand the apprehension towards current technological integration. However, in today’s technologically driven society, the ability to effectively use and interact with various digital platforms can provide greater opportunities for students, preparing them for the future job market. Therefore, with thoughtful implementation, a technology purchase can be a significant tool in enriching students' educational and social lives.