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ISBN: 0-385-48975-7

$24.95 US/ $37.95 CAN
1999

You can buy High Tech Heretic: Why Computers Don't Belong in the Classroom and Other Reflections by a Computer Contrarian now, from

High Tech Heretic: Why Computers Don't Belong in the Classroom and Other Reflections by a Computer Contrarian

by Clifford Stoll

Clifford Stoll likes to speak out. Huff and puff, if you will! This time, the controversial MSNBC commentator, lecturer and Berkeley astronomer (who authored a couple of bestsellers, The Cuckoo's Egg and Silicon Snake Oil: Second Thoughts on the Information Highway) is on the rampage about computers in the the classroom. Ouch!

Based on his obvious fears that computers will replace traditional books, libraries, librarians and teachers, Stoll sees computers as unworthy, expensive machines which shouldn't command "academic attention". He says that computers prepare students for "a lifetime of poking at a keyboard for eight hours a day." Taking another jab, he states, "It's one more way to dumb down the school, giving the appearance of teaching futuristic subjects while dodging truly challenging topics." OK, now I'm seeing red.

Computer literacy in schools, starting in the primary grades, is important in today's technology age. Why the attack on computers in schools? Because he can! Obviously Stoll is against wiring our classrooms and goes out on a limb by insinuating that if schools incorporate their curriculum by using technology, that they will be raising a "nation of dolts". Indeed!

Stoll needs to lighten up and think positively. Teachers who incorporate technology into their lesson plans; librarians who help students use technology as research tools; and labs which house computers equipped with educational software are making positive contributions in educating today's students. We're helping to raise a nation of computer-literate kids. These kids have enhanced their reading, math, and research skills by learning to use the computer as a power tool. What's wrong with that?

You CAN have the best of both worlds, but tell this to Mr. Stoll. Computers and books co-exist nicely together. It's unlikely that notebook computers will replace books in every school child's backback! Stoll's fear and paranoia could fuel an epidemic of computer illiteracy in schools. It's a good thing we know better than that.

Learning can be fun by using computers. Since when is fun a bad word? Yes, Mr. Stoll, it takes work, discipline and commitment, but calling educational software "glitzy gadgets" is downright insulting.

Software doesn't replace books. Computers in the classroom help teachers enhance their lesson plans. It's fairly obvious that computers in schools won't replace teachers and librarians. Mr. Stoll's scare tactics should be viewed with great skepticism. Most schools are in need of more computers, new software and information specialists. Teacher training is important, but the reality of the matter is, every classroom deserves at least one computer!

Stoll also notes that "computers aren't compatible with the clay, dirt, and cookie dust of a five-year-old's life." Sure, kids can play with clay in the classroom (Or art room) and dirt on the playground. With rules, young learners can use computers without pouring sand on keyboards nor smearing peanut butter on monitors. Kids grasp rules quickly (give them some credit!) and these rules allow teachers to afford their students many different activities, away-from-the computer and on the computer.

Don't miss the chapter, "The Plague of PowerPoint", Stoll's opinion of presentation software -- which he says is " a boring slide show, complete with irrelevant whizbang graphics". Pour this guy a cup of coffee!

This 221-page book is an eye-opener. Its negative attitude towards technology in schools should give school administrators, teachers, tech committees and parents an added incentive and reason to embrace technology! Computers in the classroom are important teaching tools which are here to stay, regardless of computer contrarians!