Something that has not been discussed much here is that using technology to support teaching has not actually been implemented in the ways envisioned by those who initially proposed improving education with computers. The
role of technology was intended to be an aid to the exploration of mathematics and the sciences, aids to learning about large systems, simulations and the like. Instead, the educational establishment has co-opted technology, dumbed down its uses (drills and turning it into a typewriter..). The solution is not to remove tools such as computers from the classroom, but to use them well. As has been pointed out elsewhere computers and the internet can be a powerful mechanism for displacing standard schooling and schools. Many thoughtful scientists and educators, such as Seymour Papert and Alan Kay have proposed uses for technology in education that make sense, work, and are still not widely implemented. Here are some references: Kay developed Squeak and simulations for children while Papert developed LOGO, MaMaMedia, and testified before congress about appropriate uses of technology in
schools: http://kids.www.media.mit.edu/projects/kids/sp-tal k.html. There is a conference at the University of Maryland, (Interaction
Design and Children )
taking place June 1-3 about technology, children, and how the two can interact to improve things such as education.
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Something that has not been discussed much here is that using technology to support teaching has not actually been implemented in the ways envisioned by those who initially proposed improving education with computers. The role of technology was intended to be an aid to the exploration of mathematics and the sciences, aids to learning about large systems, simulations and the like. Instead, the educational establishment has co-opted technology, dumbed down its uses (drills and turning it into a typewriter..). The solution is not to remove tools such as computers from the classroom, but to use them well. As has been pointed out elsewhere computers and the internet can be a powerful mechanism for displacing standard schooling and schools. Many thoughtful scientists and educators, such as Seymour Papert and Alan Kay have proposed uses for technology in education that make sense, work, and are still not widely implemented. Here are some references: Kay developed Squeak and simulations for children while Papert developed LOGO, MaMaMedia, and testified before congress about appropriate uses of technology in schools: http://kids.www.media.mit.edu/projects/kids/sp-tal k.html. There is a conference at the University of Maryland, (Interaction
Design and Children )
taking place June 1-3 about technology, children, and how the two can interact to improve things such as education.