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A Pandora’s Box
Every week Educhatter tackles a different educational topic and gives it a rather thorough treatment. This week, he is writing about computers in schools, and how an approach called "desktop virtualization" can give every student computer access for a fraction of the cost.
There are 28 comments so far, and they are worth reading. Interestingly, I find myself on the same side as Doug Little on this one, in that we both question the rush to technology in schools. I mean, let's face it - the kids are already fabulously computer literate and would be no matter what happens in schools. I think it's fair to say that most of their skills were picked up outside school. In fact, an interesting conceit is to imagine what would happen if the teaching of computer literacy were left to schools - as the teaching of reading mostly is now. Would we have 42% computer illiteracy under these circumstances?
Computers are just another tool, like pencils and books, and all tools can be misused. Actually, computers have a huge potential for misuse - think of texting, porn, Facebook, role playing games, and all the other seductive attractions that desktop virtualization might open up to students. And, of course, computers' flashy applications like Power Point can mask the fact that students lack deep knowledge and understanding.
Tools are only as good as the hand that is wielding them. I suggest (insert sound of broken record here) that schools focus on the mastery of academic learning, using whatever tools are affordable and appropriate for the task.
Interesting comments.
I do have questions about the assumption that students (or adults, for that matter) are computer literate. What do we mean when we talk about computer literacy? Is it just being able to turn on the computer? Is it being able to use the software, or is it being able to do something more with the tool?
These are questions that I have grappled with ever since the first PET computers started making their way into our schools in 1982.
Computer literacy…it would be an interesting conversation to have!