I wasn't prepared to agree with the author on so many points in this book. But, Clifford Stoll has observed and reflected on the issues of computers in the classroom with such clarity and realism that the downside of technology in education (elementary grades particularly) cannot be denied even by me, the biggest cheerleader for using computers and the Internet to enrich the education of K-6 children.
The evidence was right in front of me in my children's school system. My kids hated computer class from the beginning. The software was boring, and they were not allowed to explore beyond prescribed daily lessons. My mom, the teacher, enjoyed the computer and Internet training she received but was stymied on how to integrate the bits and pieces into her curriculum. My daughter's teacher explained that she doesn't use the one nice new computer in her classroom of 26 students, for obviously logistical reasons. I personally do not feel comfortable with the materialistic values that are bombarding our children while they surf the Web. Plus, I have nagging doubts about the educational priorities of software and online publishers for children.
Stoll is especially hard on the use of computers (and calculators) in the New New Math. [See the Elementary Math for Parents article at this site]He discusses a 1996 survey of 4th and 8th graders by Harold Wenglinskly of the Educational Testing Service finding that when 8th graders used computers mainly for math drills, test scores averaged half a grade lower than for other students. Actually the ETS study supports the New New Math in the results that show that 8th graders who used computers to work on math simulations and applications scored 2/5 a grade higherthan other students. Also, 4th graders whose teachers used instructional computers mostly for math/learning games posted an achievement gain equal to roughly 15 percent of a grade level.
Stoll's most compelling argument, in my view, is the negative effect of increased computer time on children's social skills. He defies the notion that "Information is Power" or even Bacon's quote that "Knowledge is Power". I agree with Stoll that instead, "Power . . . depends on social skills. Leadership grows from the ability to listen to many sides and make compromises. The strength of character to stay on the right path. The guts to stand up for a just cause."
In summary, Stoll makes some powerful arguments against computers in the preschool and elementary classroom. As a parent, though, I have seen evidence of the benefits of our home computer in enriching my children's education. However, I applaud Stoll for goading us to look at the realities of technology in education and to let go of the illusion that computers in our schools automatically equals the best education.
Additional Opinions and Research on the Issues of Technology in Education
- ParenTech - Technology and Education
- Guide for Evaluating Educational Software -NCREL
- Technology Counts '99: Building the Digital Curriculum - Education Week
- Computers and Classrooms: The Status of Technology in U.S. Schools - ETS Policy Information Report
- 1999 Secretary's Conference on Educational Technology - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technology
- LTSeek - Technology and Education Newsletter edited by John Rakeshaw at Vanderbilt University
- Internet Paradox: A Social Technology That Reduces Social Involvement and Psychological Well-Being American Psychologist
- The Leading Issues of '99 Wired Schools and Accreditation - The New York Times
- From Now On: The Educational Technology Journal by Jamieson McKensie
- Milken Exchange on Education Technology
- 21st Century Project
- Even with Glitches Technology Enriches by Tom Regan at The Christian Science Monitor
- The Impact of Technology on Learning: Making Sense of the Research - McREL
- National Educational Technology Standards for Students
- Assessment of Technology in Education - An AskERIC InfoGuide
- Technology in Education Links by Philip Merrill
- Computer Skills for Information Problem-Solving Learning and Teaching Technology in Context. ERIC Digest
- The Benefits of Information Technology. ERIC Digest
- Educational Technology A Panacaea? - Private Schools
