By including a counterargument

paragraph, you show that you

Some scholars and researchers claim that there are negative impacts of

technology on a child’s developing mind. According to one research study, Here, the student
identifies the
scholars claimed that “moderate evidence also suggests that early exposure to counterargument.

purely entertainment content, and media violence in particular, is negatively

associated with cognitive skills and academic achievement” (Kirkorian et al.,

2008, p. 8). Although there is validity to the presented argument, this theory
The student then
excludes educationally driven programming, some of which is specifically begins to respond
to the
designed to educate children beyond what they might experience by age- counterargument
and states that
appropriate schooling alone. There is incredible value in formal education and this opposing
argument is
the public school system; however, classroom modalities are not the only way incomplete.

children learn about the world around them. Educational stimuli can come in

the form of direct contact with a teacher, reading a book, or by watching a

program. For example, a student learning about the number three can find

value in hearing a teacher explain mathematical values of the number, by The student
provides both an
reading a book which illustrates a visual example of the number, and by example and
evidence from
watching a program with a catchy song about the number three. In his research that
shows the
eBook Children's Learning From Educational Television: Sesame Street and opposing
argument is
Beyond, Fisch (2004) described how some television programs are types of incomplete and
not considering
informal education, “much like educational activities that children find in alternatives.

magazines, museums, or after-school programs” (p. 9). While a good deal of

education takes place in the classroom, television can be used to supplement

Created by Millie Jones in 2018; modified November 2020

entertaining way, this supplemental material can help students become more

engaged in topics, and more willing to delve into deeper consideration of

concepts. Early learners may also be introduced to subject matter that is not
More evidence
typically introduced until later phases of formal schooling, if at all (Fisch, provided here.

2004). Children and adolescents may also find value in television news

programming which provides information on current events, such as

Nickelodeon network’s program titled Nick News. This show detailed topical

information, such as politics and environmental issues, in an entertaining

televised format which was geared to children and adolescents (Fisch, 2004).

With all this considered, television and other forms of technology should not

be dismissed as petty entertainment; the potential to present educational

information in this medium is possibly immeasurable.

Paragraph closes by stating why the student’s argument is

Created by Millie Jones in 2018; modified November 2020