Re: ED needs ***LOW*** TECH

Jeff Egan (je5811@u.cc.utah.edu)
Wed, 1 Nov 1995 01:46:42 EST

I wonder how much consideration is really given to the educational
value of multimedia "educational" software. Most of the software that
I have looked at has impressed me with glitz and glamour but has really
lacked substance. I often feel that the world of technology is seen as
a large picture into which information can be placed and then poured into
our students heads like water into a glass.
OUr children need to learn cognitive thinking skills, not click, click
and watch a screen.
Furthermore, there is the cost factor. Money that was once allocated for
teachers, new schools, and books is now being spent on newer, faster, bigger
machines. I have three educational programs on my computer for my kids.
It is a 386 machine, and the programs work great. Not because they are
glitz and glamour but because they are designed to engage children in
learning situations as active participants in a process of discovery
rather than passively watching a screen.
The three programs, are RoboTutor spelling, Computer Tutor, and logo.
I don't say this to imply that there is no educational value in tech. nor
that these are the only educational programs that exist. All programs have
some degree of educational value, rather it is to say that we have
allowed ourselves to ride the wave of enthusaim for tech. rather than
guide tech into a rise of education.

I really believe that more learning can take place in the pages of a
book, than sitting at any monitor.
Jeff Egan
je5811@u.cc.utah.edu