The Computer Delusion

This excellent article by Todd Oppenheimer may have been written in 1997, however, the topics it explores are just as relevant today. The article talks about the Clinton administration's efforts to get computers into the classroom, but makes it clear that the training of teachers and the technical support for the computers wasn't considered. Oppenheimer looks at some case studies to determine that when teacher training and educational goals mesh with the right computers and software, computers can be a boon to the classroom. But when the computers are old, the software is dated and the teachers aren't trained, the computers are no better than turning on a TV. Oppenheimer draws a clear line from the days when some educators were excited about the uses of radios and filmstrips in the classroom to how excited some educators are about computers. The technology is brand new and shiny and everyone is sure it's the next best thing. But is it? This was the most intelligent article I've read about computers and the classroom because it looks at both sides of the issue. The final quote sums up my view of technology and education far better than I can, "We need to teach the whys and the ways of the world. Tools come and tools go. Teaching our children tools limits their knowledge to these tools and hence limits their futures."