> I believe computers can be used in two ways: as a means of instruction and
> as a tool for construction. As a means of instruction, sharing could be an
> appropriate means of increasing understanding. As a tool for construction
> (of multimedia projects), I would opt for individual cpu's for each
> student.
How about a third use: communication with others, where technology
mediates discussion and thinking within a group?
> IMHO, it seems that sharing computers, having 2 to 3 students sit in front
> of one cpu, is done to maximize budgetary concerns. I liken this to a
> business sharing pencils, or computer terminals for that matter. It just
> doesn't happen. I believe it happens in education for financial reasons
> mostly.
While I would agree that in a "perfect world" the concept of
one-student/one-computer might be preferable, we don't live in that
world. I would agree with Brad that sharing computers is often done
for financial reasons. My point is that it may not be practical (or
even reasonable) for every student in every classroom to have their own
computer or access to a single/individual computer - what happens in
middle school and high school where students are not in a single
classroom all day? - and many projects and classrooms have seen success
with the idea of two or more students working together with a single
computer.
This goes back to what it means to collaborate in the classroom. To
collaborate means to share work - products or process - and to this
end a computer can be used to share work. I find it interesting that
many people are suggesting something I find unrealistic and perhaps
unachievable as a goal for future classrooms - i.e., every student
has their own computer. Until we can acually afford to provide every
student in every classroom with their own computer - and I wonder
when this might be possible - we will have to find other ways to work
with technology such that students benefit. Along the way I am simply
asking if this goal is one we should accept as an assumption for
technology use in our schools.
JMTCW!
AT
Andrew Topper
topper@cvm.msu.edu
http://www.educ.msu.edu/homepages/topper