Michele Pierantozzi
LS 521 Sp 02
3/27/02
Silicone Snake Oil
In Silicone Snake Oil, Clifford Stoll presents several valuable arguments about the downside of the Internet. From the excerpts, it seems he focuses only on the negative aspects of the Internet. However, his points are worth examining.
One of Stoll’s positions deals with the isolation associated with Internet use. The negatives he presents include shallow interaction with others and poor socialization of children. Does the Internet connect people in a meaningful way? Are we missing real life by spending too much time on line? Perhaps in extreme cases, the answers to these questions are yes.
On the other hand, use of the Internet can be a positive experience for members of society. Although an essential component of many jobs, computer isolation is not for everyone. People are social creatures. Most will seek out personal interactions in the workplace. In schools, the internet is used to help students travel to places they would never have the chance to see in person and communicate with people they would never meet otherwise. It can be a valuable tool for learning about different countries and cultures. Students have virtual connections to amazing locations.
Using the Internet as an instructional tool (similar to lecture or cooperative learning) has value in education, in moderation. No good teacher would use only one instructional strategy to teach his or her students. Parents and teachers must set guidelines for Internet use and monitor children while they are online. Lessons using the Internet must have a purpose and guidelines in order for students to learn in a meaningful way. The Internet will never take the place of human contact or the need for quality educators.
Stoll argues that the Internet is slowly replacing public libraries. As more and more information is available online, the need for public libraries is shrinking. He fears the libraries of the future will have no books, newspapers, or librarians. The negatives of this shift include difficulty finding and accessing information using the Internet, losing the cozy feeling of reading the Sunday paper or curling up with a good book, libraries spending too much money on technology and not enough on books, and the ever changing technology may not be enable users to access archived information in 20 years.
On the positive side, online library catalogues make it easier to find information within the library. Modern public libraries are user-friendlier than ever before. Libraries are supporting the technology, not being replaced by it. For example, Internet access is free to the public in the library and eBooks are available and beneficial to people with vision problems. There does not seem to be any sign of doing away with magazines, newspaper, or books. Online access to these materials gives library patrons alternative choices.
In this case, balance is key. Technology and the Internet are part of our growing and changing world. Both have uses in our public and school libraries. As long as people are around, technology will not take over the world. In schools both library skills and technology skills must be taught. Educators should teach the value of using print resources and Internet resources. Good teachers make informed decisions about appropriate sources for a given activity on a daily basis.
Clifford Stoll has valid concerns about the Information Highway. It is a good reminder of the importance of maintaining balance in life. However, technology is part of our world. Used in moderation, it can enhance our lives, not take them over.