Becker “How Much Will a … Technology-Rich Education Cost?” “There is now a clearer and more broadly supported vision of how instruction and learning should be changed in schools.” “There is now a clearer and more broadly supported vision of how instruction and learning should be changed in schools.” Wants: Wants: Collaborative project-based learning Collaborative project-based learning Gathering info from diverse sources Gathering info from diverse sources Collect scientific data to experience “true scientific inquiry” Collect scientific data to experience “true scientific inquiry”

Becker (cont. 1) To achieve the above, a substantial monetary commitment is needed. To achieve the above, a substantial monetary commitment is needed. Look at what he says about where “exemplary” teachers are likely to work (pg 192). Look at their backgrounds. Look at what he says about where “exemplary” teachers are likely to work (pg 192). Look at their backgrounds. The ongoing computing costs are greater than the one time purchase of equipment. The ongoing computing costs are greater than the one time purchase of equipment.

Becker (cont. 2) Thinks there should be a 2:1 student to computer ratio. Thinks there should be a 2:1 student to computer ratio. Computers should be replaced in 5 years. Computers should be replaced in 5 years. Cost of innovating schools will be approximately $2000 per student, which is noted to be less than the difference of what some districts pay per student. Cost of innovating schools will be approximately $2000 per student, which is noted to be less than the difference of what some districts pay per student. This article makes a huge assumption, what is it? This article makes a huge assumption, what is it?

Jane M. Healy, PhD “FAILURE TO CONNECT: How Computers Affect Our Children’s Minds-for Better of Worse

Healy “Today’s children are the subjects of a vast and optimistic experiment … But there is no proof – or even convincing evidence – that it will work.” “Today’s children are the subjects of a vast and optimistic experiment … But there is no proof – or even convincing evidence – that it will work.” What do you think the experiment is? What do you think the experiment is? US government is trying to connect every classroom to the internet, even though some school budgets are being slashed. US government is trying to connect every classroom to the internet, even though some school budgets are being slashed.

Healy (cont. 1) American Assoc. of School Administrators published results of a survey in Of 16 basic skills valued by teachers, parents, and leaders, “computer skills and media” ranked 3 rd, behind only “basic skills” (math, reading, writing) and “good work habits”. It was ahead of “values”, “good citizenship”, “curiosity”, “knowledge of history and geography”, and “classic works”. American Assoc. of School Administrators published results of a survey in Of 16 basic skills valued by teachers, parents, and leaders, “computer skills and media” ranked 3 rd, behind only “basic skills” (math, reading, writing) and “good work habits”. It was ahead of “values”, “good citizenship”, “curiosity”, “knowledge of history and geography”, and “classic works”.

Healy (cont. 2) How many software titles do you think children under 6 own on average? How many software titles do you think children under 6 own on average? Ans: 6 Ans: 6 What is the youngest age for a child that a software title is aimed at? What is the youngest age for a child that a software title is aimed at? Ans: 18 months Ans: 18 months There has not yet been a widely accepted study to show any substantial academic benefits of academic software, but some studies have shown the contrary. There has not yet been a widely accepted study to show any substantial academic benefits of academic software, but some studies have shown the contrary.

Healy (cont. 3) For the most part, kids just “play” with the computer when unsupervised. For the most part, kids just “play” with the computer when unsupervised.

Final Thoughts “Technology! I feel as if we’re being swept down this enormous river – we don’t know where we’re going, or why, but we’re caught in the current. I think we should stop and take a look before it’s too late.” Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Long Island, NY “Technology! I feel as if we’re being swept down this enormous river – we don’t know where we’re going, or why, but we’re caught in the current. I think we should stop and take a look before it’s too late.” Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Long Island, NY

Final Thoughts (cont. 1) “In sum, if computers make a difference, it has yet to show up in achievement.” Samuel Sava, Executive Director, National Assoc. Of Elementary School Principals. “In sum, if computers make a difference, it has yet to show up in achievement.” Samuel Sava, Executive Director, National Assoc. Of Elementary School Principals. “The research is set up in a way to find benefits that aren’t really there. Most knowledgeable people agree that most of the research isn’t valid … Essentially, it’s just worthless.” Edward Miller, Former Editor, Harvard Education Letter. “The research is set up in a way to find benefits that aren’t really there. Most knowledgeable people agree that most of the research isn’t valid … Essentially, it’s just worthless.” Edward Miller, Former Editor, Harvard Education Letter.

Final Thoughts (cont. 2) Finally, I’ll leave you with … Finally, I’ll leave you with … “It’s so cool to be an animator, and you can really mess with people’s heads.” David J. Masher, Animator for “Carmen Sandiego”. “It’s so cool to be an animator, and you can really mess with people’s heads.” David J. Masher, Animator for “Carmen Sandiego”.