Some classical schools ban computers altogether (except for notetaking). I love the premise and give a lot of credence to the arguments. But I am so close to technology as a source of information and communication, that it is easy to to disagree with myself.
Justin Taylor today pointed at this short article: Teaching People How to Use Books. In part it says:
I teach literature, and I believe that my primary job in the classroom is to instruct students in better use of the technology of the book. There is no more evidently false assumption than the assumption that people — even academically successful people — are comfortable with books and use them well.
As a parent, your child is absolutely going to learn how to use a computer, and probably very early. They live in your house and you are so adept and culturally wise that you read TBAP! There is value to certain computer classes that advance certain programs and teach overall concepts, bis that what the school should spend their time and resources.
Should they value books or Wikipedia (which they can carry in easily, readable form on their hip holster)?
I know there is a maelstrom of opinions out there and that I am in the minority. What’s yours?
