STOLL:  Compassionate doctors instead of computer adept doctors.  

AEM:   I agree with Rory McGreal's point, why can't a doctor be both skilled on the computer and have a great bedside manner.  Both are valuable assets to have when dealing with patients.  Computer literacy allows the physician to explore, discover and research symptoms and illnesses on the Internet to better assist their patients.  

STOLL:  Computers are not necessary for college studies.

AEM:  I beg to differ, without my computer and access to the Internet.  I would have not found as much valuable information for my Senior Thesis.  The Internet allows research to be conducted at a quicker rate than library research.  However, the use of the library and physical books and documents cannot be replaced or overlooked--they are invaluable, as well!  There must be balance between the two variations of research.

STOLL:  The Utopian world with discussion and human interaction that dwells offline.

AEM:  I believe that Stoll was trying to play devil's advocate and express the worse case scenario. I am a frequently online and I notice how easily it is to lose track of time and place.  Stoll fears that the overuse of the Internet will cause users to neglect their families and the outside worlds.  I believe there is validity in this statement.

STOLL:  There are no archives of electronic media.  

AEM:  The Internet is more comparable to television and radio, rather than 8-tracks and film projectors.  The Internet is the 21st Century's means of communication.  It is to us what the telephone was to the people of the 19th century.  The Internet like television provides us with up-to-the-minute news and headlines.

STOLL:  The importance of the written word.

AEM:   The written word is incredibly important and it frightens me when I see that students are having difficulties writing because they are so use to typing.  However, many of today's great authors use PCs to compose their work on.  If Shakespeare were alive today, I am quite sure he would be composing his Sonnets on a MAC.  The computer allows for more work to be completed in less time.  


Anne Elizabeth Murphy
SLM 521