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“Silicon Snake Oil”

An Elective Assignment

By Erica Plappert

SLM 521

Introduction

In his book, Silicon Snake Oil: Second Thoughts on the Information Highway, Clifford Stoll describes his views on negative aspects of the Internet and technology. Since the book was written in 1995, many aspects of the text are becoming outdated. However, Stoll raised many interesting points. In this assignment, I will briefly discuss five of the points that Stoll made. In addition, I will express my opinion on these points and will offer suggestions to teachers in handling some of these negative aspects of the Internet and technology.

Point #1 – Computers isolate us from each other and minimize social interactions.

Stoll believes that “computer networks isolate us from one another, rather than bring us together.” He stated that there is plenty of contact online, but no humanity. He also believes that frequent internet use interferes with a person’s ability to relate to others.

I agree that frequent online use MAY affect social skills. For some people, the Internet is an escape from the real world where they can create a persona different from the way they present themselves in the real world. The friendships they make may be illusions. Yet, at the same time, what is so wrong with that? If these online interactions allow a person to be happy and to avoid loneliness, it is not such a bad thing. Furthermore, I believe that valuable relationships CAN be formed online and positive interaction can take place. My father met his girlfriend online and it changed both of their lives for the better. In addition, the Internet allows me to have much interaction with friends and family all over the country. In the time I spent writing this assignment, I was able to chat with a cousin and a close friend and see how their days were going. The Internet also offers wonderful opportunities for collaboration. Just look at all of the incredible websites available for teachers to collaborate! As teachers, we need to offer opportunities for interaction in the classroom and educate our students about the dangers online. We need to make it clear to our students that the Internet is not always a safe place and that people may pretend to be different from what they really are. There are many wonderful things for them to experience and they should take the time to do those things rather than spend all of their time online.

Point #2 – Computers and networks do not belong in classrooms.

Stoll is a firm believer that computers and networks do not belong in classrooms. In fact, he has written a book devoted to the topic. He feels that the Internet should not take the place of hand-on experiences and field trips. Furthermore, students should not rely on computers to find the answers to all of their problems or assignments.

In my experiences in the field of education so far, I have not seen teachers using the Internet in place of hands-on activities or field trips. It is quite the contrary. I feel that the Internet is not being used to the best of its ability in classrooms. There is so much more that teachers can use the Internet for to accompany instruction. Of course, the Internet should not take the place of field trips, but why not take virtual field trips to foreign lands or places that could not easily be traveled to? Also, Betty Windham, a reviewer of Stoll’s book, brought up paraplegics as an example. These children cannot attend many of the field trips since they are restricted to wheelchairs. The Internet is a wonderful resource for them. I disagree with Stoll that the Internet cheapens meaning. If anything, the Internet promotes meaning by engaging students and getting them interested. Learning should be fun and exciting! Teachers should use the Internet in the classroom, but only when it is beneficial, not as a replacement for other experiences. In addition, teachers should warn their students about plagiarism, invalid sources, and the morals involved when doing research online.

Point #3 – Too much money is being devoted to technology and not enough is going towards books.

Stoll states that schools are paying so much for technology that they are no longer investing in books for their libraries. He is also concerned about the switch from card catalogs to online databases.

Unfortunately, I do not know enough about how schools are spending their budgets. It seems logical that a large part of the budget would go towards technology. Yet, at the same time, I do not feel that the book budget should suffer. Books are amazing companions to be cherished and passed around. I cannot imagine that librarians would let this happen. Personally, the school libraries that I have seen have been filled with books, both new and old. As for the cataloging issue, I see both the advantages and disadvantages of the electronic database. Librarians do not need to worry about lost cards, the system is fast, and books can easily be requested from other libraries. Unfortunately, many libraries do not have a backup system in place if the network goes down and there are many cataloging problems that make searching difficult. I have seen my local library when the system was down and it was not a pleasant place to be! Libraries should maintain a backup cataloging system and adhere to certain cataloging rules for consistency. Furthermore, schools should devote adequate funds to technology, but not at the expense of books.

Point #4 – Computers generate frustration.

Stoll says that computers are expensive, difficult to use, and become obsolete too quickly. In addition, online use may be inexpensive in money, but it is expensive in time. He also spent much time complaining about the slow speed of the Internet at the time he wrote the book, but that is much more advanced today.

Okay, yes computers are expensive. Some people find them to be difficult to use. And after a few years, you do have to replace them or add upgrades or modifications. Yet, the benefits outweigh the costs in many ways. I am able to communicate with distant (and nearby) friends and relatives, research virtually any topic, and save myself numerous hours of driving time by participating in online classes such as this one. It is the teacher’s job to make computers less difficult for users and I believe that many teachers do this for their students. Yet, teachers can also learn about technology from their students. That is the beauty of ever-growing technology. We do need to be cautious of the time we spend online though. There have been many times that I have gone online to quickly check my mail and wonder, hours later, what I have been doing for the past few hours. I want my students to feel comfortable and excited about technology, but I do not want them devoted all of their free time to the medium.

Point #5 – Online shopping is not worthwhile.

Another major topic in Stoll’s book is that of online shopping. Stoll expresses that merchandise is limited in availability and of poor quality, that merchants are not successful, and that there are no online salespeople to help. He also states that there is no possibility to comparison shop.

Times have changed since Stoll wrote his book. Merchandise online is nothing but abundant and just like in traditional brick-and-mortar stores ranges in quality. You can buy virtually anything online. Though many merchants have not yet found their niche and competition is tremendous, many online merchants are successful. Also, online salespeople do exist on many web pages and I have found them to be extremely helpful, perhaps more helpful than traditional face-to-face salespeople. Stoll stated that it is not possible to comparison shop, but that is NOT the case. In fact some sites, like Yahoo! shopping, do the comparison shopping for you! Though I have not yet purchased clothing online, I have purchased many things particularly books and gifts. Even for things I do not purchase online, I have used the Internet to research sales and purchases prior to shopping in a store. Older students should realize that this shopping venue is available to them, but should be wary of freebies and gimmicks. They should stick to well-known merchants until they have experience and knowledge. Even young children should practice comparison shopping activities online during their economic units.