Students React to Tesco’s Computers in Schools Scheme
June 15, 2008 by Mark Conroy
I gave my Higher Level Fifth Year English class the article “Opposing Tesco’s ‘Computers for Schools’ Voucher Scheme” for the reading comprehension section of their summer exam. Question 3 asked “What are your thoughts on these schemes?”
Here is a selection of student responses:
Student 1
I feel this is hugely unfair and no parent should be put under pressure to gain facilities for their school.
Student 2
To be honest, I never really thought about this voucher scheme, but from reading this extract, I now believe it to be an outrage [...] The Tesco company should be ashamed of themselves.
Student 3
I believe there is something corrupt about the way in which supermarkets operate to gain sales. [...] It shocks and appalls me.
Student 4
They are just out for what they can get. [...] They know full well that when kids pester their parents for items, they nearly always get what they want.
Student 5
In order to get enough vouchers to actually do anything with them costs way too much (considering you can shop in much cheaper places).
Student 6
We are being fooled by money-making enterprises. [...] How long will this last? How long will these companies be able to fool the nation?
Student 7
I don’t think that these voucher schemes are such a good idea. [...] They are practically using us for advertising, even though the image is that they are helping us.
Student 8
I feel very strongly about cutting them from our society. I feel we, as consumers, are being exploited, and I don’t like the way we are falling for this money-making trap. [...] We are being manipulated into thinking that this is a good scheme when quite frankly it is not.
Student 9
I believe these voucher schemes are ridiculous and evil on the part of the firm promoting them. [...] This angers me: the school generates profit and advertising for the firm and then gets shafted.
Student 10
It’s a disgrace that the exploitation of our education system is legally and openly accepted.
Student 11
I believe this voucher scheme is only free advertising for supermarkets. [...] I also think when we are given the vouchers that ‘bin them’ is the only answer and let Tesco be aware that they are not going to get away with this.
Student 12
I think it’s unethical and misleading. [...] I feel that supermarkets like this are exploiting our under-funded education system.
Student 13
How come parents can’t see what a scam this is? [...] Parents are forced to buy stuff that they never buy just to get a few extra tokens.
Student 14
I feel deceived and angry at the companies for cheating their customers like this. The system used by Tesco and Supervalu is completely unfair and immoral. Their encouragement to spread the word highlights their clear intention.
Student 15
I think that these voucher schemes are fraud-based and should be banned. [...] I believe something should most definitely be done about this.
Student 16
I find it hard to believe that these major companies would manipulate teachers, parents, and children into thinking they are giving free equipment when actually it’s just a massive advertising stunt.
Student 17
I believe that these voucher schemes are a scam. The amount of money that has to be paid out to Tesco to receive a computer is not worth while. [...] Tesco are making money and not handing out anything free. It does not provide schools with free IT equipment.
Student 18
I feel the same as the author. I know the statistics are right because I have looked into it myself. I see my own mother waste money on them every week. I think it is such a rip off and shouldn’t be allowed to go on.
Comments
Feel free to leave a comment...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
