SILICON SNAKE OIL

After reading certain excerpts from Clifford Stoll’s book and reviews on it, there are varying viewpoints on the subject of the usefulness of the internet. This is a controversial topic and there is plenty to comment on. This book helps people gain perspective on a highly sensitive issue and develop opinions for themselves.

Clifford Stoll states “networks isolate us from one another and cheapen the

meaning of actual experience. They work against creativity and literacy and will undercut schools and libraries.”

These are valid concerns from an individual who has been involved in the computer industry since its conception. He has probably seen many of his colleagues obsess over computer software and programs and in his eyes, waste their time away. This only happens if the users allow it to. If the internet is used to foster creativity and literacy and give meaning to actual life experiences, then it becomes a positive influence on the individual. People can use the internet to their advantage and talk about issues with one another or communicate more frequently than they would otherwise. The libraries are still an invaluable resource to individuals and they will still be around for the public. In a review of Stolls’ book, Jackie Dooley points out that Stoll states that the libraries don’t even own the copyright to some of their newer material and the cost of digitization is staggering. This ensures that the virtual library is not in the future anytime soon.

Clifford Stoll states “networks can be frustrating, expensive, unreliable

connections that get in the way of useful work.”

This may be true, but there is an advantage here as well. Waiting in line

to get gas or groceries takes time away from doing other things, but in the

end, one can drive their car and have food to eat. There is another

important factor here as well, we have to go to the supermarkets and gas

stations whereas the internet can come to us. Is there really anymore

time spent waiting for a connection in your own home than having to travel

elsewhere? The user can determine the amount of time they wish to spend waiting on their information and schedule themselves accordingly at their own pace. This may in fact allow more time for useful work to occur and they may find themselves with more time to spend with their families.

Clifford Stoll states “interactive videos are no substitute for a fired-up

teacher who’s there in person.”

There is educational value in videos when they enhance the lessons

taught or provide a visual aid to curriculum material. But what about those

teachers who are not so “fired-up”, who lecture at a podium from the start

class to the end of class, and who tend not to motivate their students? Is

this an area that cannot use some help from technology? This is a key

area for educators to pay close attention to. The internet should be a

vehicle that students use to gather information for reports and learn

grammar with certain computer games but should not be the focus of

instruction. There are still valuable skills students learn by reading,

writing, and interpreting material on their own. Educators need to find

ways to teach their students and hold their attention.

Rory McGreal states in his review of Stoll’s book “caution is needed as well as a sense of perspective” when talking about this subject.

There is a need to be concerned about the use of the internet in society

and in the classrooms. If individuals devote their time to hours of mindless

keyboard typing and gazing at the computer screen, they will be wasting

their life away. If they take some time out of their day to relax and surf the

net and then interact with the people around them, they will still enjoy the

social interactions that Stoll concerns himself with. As educators, it is

important to recognize that students are exposed to the internet at a young age and it becomes a valuable resource to them, but computer programs can not become the focus of classroom instruction. Computers are activated by the individuals that operate them and it is our job to educate those programmers in the classroom. This is a difficult task, but in the long run, both students and teachers alike benefit. There has to be a balance between using the internet and obsessing over it.

Clifford Stoll states “real life and authentic experience mean much more than anything that the modem can deliver.”

This is what people need to remember to lessen the negative views of the

internet and its use. Stoll has many concerns about where the internet is taking society and the educational system in the future. Though

these concerns are valid, there is no need to go to the extreme. Like most

things in the world today, the internet can be seen as a good invention or a bad invention depending on how and what it is used for. There is a lot to

see and do on the internet. It brings us closer to people that live far away from us, and helps develop computer skills are necessary in the workplace. But, whatever takes place with/on the internet can never replace the importance of face to face interactions with people and situations that happen to us in life. People have to be aware of the dangers that the internet can present, but they also have to be responsible enough to remember what is most important in their lives.

This book helps people gain perspective on a highly sensitive issue.