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Computers

by Mike Masnick

Tue, Oct 14th 2003 11:06am





Are Computers Good Or Bad For The Classroom: Dueling Books

from the figure-it-out dept

Earlier this month we wrote about a review of the book Never Mind the Laptops, that argues persuasively why schools need to give laptops to every student. Now, we have the other side. Here's a review of the book The Flickering Mind, which argues that computers in schools have been a dismal failure, and we should spend more time getting better teachers into schools. Of course, I don't necessarily see the two books as being diametrically opposed. The second book does admit that there are some cases where computers in schools have been used well, but immediately gives credit to the teachers instead of the computers. This sounds like the same old argument from many years ago, about whether or not technology should be used in the workplace. There are always examples of technology being used badly - but that doesn't mean all technology should be banned, but rather, that people who will be using the technology should be better trained to get the returns it can provide.

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  1.  
    identicon
    frankiejr, Oct 14th, 2003 @ 11:19am

    The Third Volume

    I'm one for the "third book", which emphasizes the need for better teachers AND technology in the classroom.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  2.  
    identicon
    Beck, Oct 14th, 2003 @ 1:30pm

    Re: The Third Volume

    Right. Computers aren't a remedy for bad teachers. But if a school has effective teachers and high-achieving students, why not add computers? Computer education can supplement the standard curriculum just like other bonus classes, such as music education or art.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  3.  
    identicon
    xman, Oct 15th, 2003 @ 4:23am

    Re: The Third Volume

    Music and art are *not* bonus classes. I f you believe that then you are at the top of a slippery slope.....

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  4.  
    identicon
    pb, Oct 15th, 2003 @ 10:05am

    Re: The Third Volume

    I don't disagree, but feel a need to point out that our public schools are waaaaaayyy down that slippery slope and have been for years. Funding, mandatory state-wide performance initiatives and well-meaning yet over-zealous parents (probably like me) have all contributed to a token treatment of the arts in public education.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  5.  
    identicon
    Scott Bake, Oct 19th, 2003 @ 7:11am

    The Flickering Mind

    The Flickering Mind belittles technology and research in favor of the racist cult teachings of Rudolf Steiner. Steiner (1861-1925) was an Austrian born occultist who wrote that African races were at the lowest stage, Asian races were the second lowest and European races were the highest, with Aryans on top of the heap.

    I think that's the wrong direction--they tried that in Europe under Hitler and millions of people died.

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  6.  
    identicon
    chess, Feb 22nd, 2004 @ 12:59pm

    Online chess

    Oh, yeah!
    And I'd rather be playing chess online on online chess !

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  7.  
    identicon
    Karisa Lambert, Feb 25th, 2008 @ 8:05am

    Reports and Research

    i am doing a report for my 11th grade class. We will be having a debate on the good and bad parts of technology in the classroom, Our side is for the good things of technology in the classroom. If you will please e-mail me some information about the good side of technology to help my report to i_love_tweeter@hotmail.com it would be grately appreciated

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  8.  
    identicon
    Karisa Lambert, Feb 25th, 2008 @ 8:06am

    Re: Re: The Third Volume

    i also agree with your opinion sometimes the teachers need "updated" Karisa Lambert Junior @ Van Jr. Sr. High School

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  9.  
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Mar 3rd, 2009 @ 8:52am

    this sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  10.  
    identicon
    BATMAN, Jan 4th, 2010 @ 9:43am

    computers,,,?

    yes its good..
    WE ARE ON COMPUTERS NOWWW.!!!!

     

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]


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