Jayme Jaramillo

Article Critique #2

“Push for Computers in Classrooms Gather New Foes”

The New York Times on the Web

By Pamela Mendels

December 15, 1999

Accessed on the web on June 12, 2003:

http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/12/cyber/education/15education.html

Society seems to believe that children need to learn about computers at an early age; however, Mendels believes we are approaching the subject incorrectly. Yes, technology should be a major part of education, but it should be used to help children think critically about technology and it’s uses as opposed to emphasizing the vocational aspect. This new approach to teaching children about computers and technology should start at an early age, while there is still hope.

A group of individuals joined together and started the Alliance for Childhood to stand up and protect children from what they believe is a toxic environment poisoned by computers. They believe that today’s youth are experiencing stress, depression, and disorders more often, because of academic pressures, lack of personal interaction, exposure to sex and violence, and influences from the media – all things that are linked to technology. The group hopes to open more eyes to the idea that children need to learn about becoming morally responsible citizens, rather than passive consumers. The Alliance for Childhood has several reasons why they believe that computers do not belong in the classroom. First, elementary years should focus on nurture and connections with real people. Secondly, children need to understand ethical conduct before going online. Thirdly, in high school students should understand the basics of how computers work and be required to take one apart and rebuild it. The fourth emphasis of the Alliance for Childhood is to teach the history of technology and how it has shaped society. The overall debate is that computers are currently placed in schools for vocational training and preparation, but in the world of technology, things are constantly changing, so teach children skills, ways to process ideas, and make decisions.

This article presents reasons why we should not use computers so much in education. Although the ideas have some validity, I agree with Kreuger who stated that technology is a powerful tool and it seems silly not introduce students to it. Maybe we are going about it in the wrong way, so we need to explore new ways to capture students and get them interested in learning and in technology.