I finished reading Stoll’s realistic perspective on computing technology, and I wanted to offer him a Pulitzer prize for his work! Even though the book was written in 1999, many of the observations he makes still hold true, although there are some changes in computing technology for the greater good. We have become a society of convenience, snapping up technology to make our lives easier, when in fact, many of the technological advances make our lives more complicated. For example, we buy cars because of the added bells and whistles, yet the purchase cost is greater and so is the repair bill. We subscribe to cell phone plans that include the newest and greatest features, like texting, sending pictures, PDA capability, but at an added cost. And if we lose them or they stop working, we are the ones at an inconvenience.

The strongest point that Stoll makes is the amount of money which has been wasted by putting computers in the schools. I agree that the wrong approach has been taken in the past, just getting a computer in the school for the sake of inventory does not help with educating the masses. Using schools as a dumping ground for old equipment just creates more frustrations for those who have to take care of the problems. Now that computers have become cheaper to manufacture, purchasing new equipment for a school is not as significant of a financial burden. A better use of computers in schools is for vocational purposes. Let’s teach students how to repair computers, how to maintain a network, how to use CAD programs to design housing, and how to use Microsoft Office for business applications, not just for pretty flyers and artsy PowerPoints. Give students real tasks to do, and we improve their thinking skills.

Stoll also mentions the socialization that is being lost in our technological society. While that is true in most cases, there are ways that schools can bring this back. For classes where PowerPoints are required, also teach students speech skills as part of the curriculum. Take more field trips, involve students in more community-based projects. Administrators love this kind of stuff because it makes the school look good, and the students gain a sense of pride by being part of a group that does something worthwhile (community cleanup, visiting nursing homes, volunteering at day care centers, letting high school students read books to young children). These things involve very little cost, but it does need an investment in time.

I agree with his perspective, I am not against technology.  I find many great benefits from having technology access because I love knowing information, so the Internet is like a big encyclopedia for me.  I do use it to communicate, but I don’t live on the net.  I appreciate the benefit of having distance learning classes as I could not have completed this master’s degree so quickly had I needed to attend three classes per week with a driving time one way of 45 minutes.  I find interesting projects and lessons for my classes thanks to Edutopia, Marcopolo, and Techlearning, among others.