Smith's Argument Analysis

Words: 998
Pages: 4

Smith builds his case slowly by first discussing the wealth of information that is available to today’s students, and how they should be thankful for all the advancements in information technology that allows them to access this information easily. He explains how online services help students track their progress and comprehensively support everything from enrollment to planning their meals via the internet. He is building a platform from which he can launch his counterargument, and he sets the stage for his rebuttal of Bustamante by stating, “it is clear even to the most casual observer that taking in and processing information is far easier for students today” (Kirszner and Mandell 221) Bustamante suggests that this shift in education begs to be questioned. He demands a response from his readers with this question, “While the internet has certainly made learning easier, has it made it better” (Kirszner and Mandell 221)? He then answers his own question by stating his opinion “Not necessarily” (Kirszner and Mandell 221). The groundwork has now been laid to detract from Bustamante’s argument. Smith intends to emphasize the benefits of a traditional classroom education over online learning by illustrating for his readers …show more content…
It is not profitable to downplay any of the positive and irreplaceable advantages of a traditional classroom education. Smith details how the structure, organization, and hands on humanistic approach of a traditional classroom gives students a chance to foster relationships and develop the life skills that will later be tested in real world experiences. Professors provide students with the motivation and instruction that could never be replaced by a learning tool like the