Re: computers do more harm than good

[Joel Rauber <Joel_Rauber@SDSTATE.EDU>]

An interesting book that talks about a lot of this is

"Silicon Snake Oil", by Clifford Stoll

a must read for some thoughtful critical analysis (both positive and
negative) of our headlong madcap rush at high speeds down the infobahn.

The author incidentlly, besides having extensive computer science related
background and experience, comes from our ranks (an astronomer)

Joel Rauber
Joel_Rauber@sdstate.edu


> -----Original Message-----
> From: phys-l@lists.nau.edu: Forum for Physics Educators
> [mailto:PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu]
> Sent: Friday, September 15, 2000 10:23 AM
> To: PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu
> Subject: Re: computers do more harm than good
>
>
>
> 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)