Blog Post # 11

The Computer Delusion article points out that we need to evaluate technology based on whether or not it improves teaching practices and student achievement. From the information so far, it doesn't seem to. The article itself states that there is a discouraging record of student and teacher performance with computers. Part of the problem, I think, is that the software development companies are not skilled in child development and learning. Who are these companies developing the mainstream software? The answer may be linked to the revelation within the article that the government task force was made up of thirty-six individuals who were tech advocates, with 2/3 from the high tech industry and the rest from the entertainment industry. I also found it interesting that child development specialists hold the position that younger children need a broad based experience, rather than software sequential data experience. The over emphasis of stimulating the left hemisphere of the brain at the expense of the right hemisphere is disturbing. I was also dismayed to read that schools are cutting art, music, and physical education, which contributes to a broad based experience, in order to buy computers. I think government influences with special interests and commercial businesses are greatly impacting the practices within schools and that's not the best thing.