Re: computers do more harm than good

[Rick Tarara <rtarara@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

The basic problem here is that Computers are a tool but the teachers need to
know how to use that tool.  Few do.  Much too often, use of the computer in
elementary schools is as a diversion or reward (you can go play on the
computer now!)  Serious use of the computer in the classroom is the
exception rather than the rule.  The health dangers cited are just silly
from the schooling point of view.  Some may be relevant for children
spending many hours a week on their home computers, but you can bet that
they aren't doing school work for most of that time.

Rick Tarara

**********************************************
Richard W. Tarara
Associate Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
rtarara@saintmarys.edu

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----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Smith" <Larry.Smith@SNOW.EDU>
To: <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2000 9:59 AM
Subject: computers do more harm than good


> Does this have bearing on our recent discussion about the value of
> computers in physics labs?
>
> Larry
>
>
>
> At 4:43 PM -0600 9/13/00, EDUCAUSE wrote:
> > REPORT: COMPUTERS IN SCHOOLS DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD
> > The U.S. should postpone its push to move technology into
> > classrooms until studies prove that computers help children
> > learn, according to a report released Tuesday by the Alliance for
> > Childhood, a group of educators, children's advocates, and
> > doctors. The enthusiasm for technology in schools is fueled by
> > the high-tech industry's desire to expand its markets, and
> > parents' concern that their children will fall behind without
> > computers in schools, the report says. The Alliance suggests that
> > elementary school students learn through hands-on, real-world
> > activities, and that the U.S. surgeon general should conduct
> > studies on the emotional, developmental, and physical effects of
> > computers on children, and on the ethical and social issues that
> > might impact older students. The report says that computers
> > present health risks such as eyestrain, obesity, and repetitive
> > stress injuries; detract from human interaction, creativity, and
> > hands-on learning; and do little to boost academic achievement.
> > (SiliconValley.com, September 12 2000)