Wow! He sure is against computers in classrooms. I have been reading the first 40 pages(Which has not been enjoyable). I really do not agree with what he is saying, because he has taken such a radical view. I am sure he is a very intelligent man, but has he every taught in a regular education classroom with k-6 students. The way he talks about how computers are used is not the way most of us use them in instruction. We still teach our students and interact with them. Computers are used to reinforce something already taught not take the place of instruction. He talks as if teachers are putting students on computers and letting them learn from that or just play and learn nothing. He thinks computers are not useful when they are useful. Once again we have the problem of knowing how to use them and training teachers how to make use of them. As I continue to read I hope he gets less radical and a little bit more reasonable.
MORE ON STOLL’S OPINION
Guess what he is still dead set against computers in classrooms. Most of his ranting deals with high school level complaints. The only thing I agree with him on so far is computers shouldn’t replace teachers. I found it interesting the way he bashed Seymour Papert who I totally agree with compared to the negative comments of Stoll.
I have been reading everyone else’s blog. They are split kind of 50/50. I did notice that those who taught higher education seemed to lean more towards his thinking, than elementary teachers. Yes it is frustrating when money is spent on technology and it doesn’t work correctly. The problems do not out weight the benefits of teaching students how to use technology efficiently. If you have to teach a student how to use something don’t complain just do it. Next time they won’t need your help and the lesson will go quicker.
I cannot agree with the majority of this book because the man is so against computers in the classroom. I think students should have as much exposure to technology as possible. They should learn how to use them safely, because it is not always taught at home. At the beginning of the semester we read about how some students never get to use computers because of poverty. That is why schools have to be responsible for teaching students what is the right way to use the internet.
I am having a really hard time finishing this book up because of his obsessive beliefs against computers in classroom. I would like to meet the man now and see if he has changed his mind in the last 10 years. Maybe ask him if he has been to schools that actually use computers effectively.
I can’t decide if he is really against computers or if he just likes making an argument.