Becker

1
Becker How Much Will a Technology-Rich
Education Cost?

• There is now a clearer and more broadly
  supported vision of how instruction and learning
  should be changed in schools.
• Wants
• Collaborative project-based learning
• Gathering info from diverse sources
• Collect scientific data to experience true
  scientific inquiry

2
Becker (cont. 1)

• To achieve the above, a substantial monetary
  commitment is needed.
• Look at what he says about where exemplary
  teachers are likely to work (pg 192). Look at
  their backgrounds.
• The ongoing computing costs are greater than the
  one time purchase of equipment.

3
Becker (cont. 2)

• Thinks there should be a 21 student to computer
  ratio.
• Computers should be replaced in 5 years.
• Cost of innovating schools will be approximately
  2000 per student, which is noted to be less than
  the difference of what some districts pay per
  student.
• This article makes a huge assumption, what is it?

4
Jane M. Healy, PhD

• FAILURE TO CONNECT How Computers Affect Our
  Childrens Minds-for Better of Worse

5
Healy

• Todays children are the subjects of a vast and
  optimistic experiment But there is no proof
  or even convincing evidence that it will work.
• What do you think the experiment is?
• US government is trying to connect every
  classroom to the internet, even though some
  school budgets are being slashed.

6
Healy (cont. 1)

• American Assoc. of School Administrators
  published results of a survey in 1995. Of 16
  basic skills valued by teachers, parents, and
  leaders, computer skills and media ranked 3rd,
  behind only basic skills (math, reading,
  writing) and good work habits. It was ahead of
  values, good citizenship, curiosity,
  knowledge of history and geography, and
  classic works.

7
Healy (cont. 2)

• How many software titles do you think children
  under 6 own on average?
• Ans 6
• What is the youngest age for a child that a
  software title is aimed at?
• Ans 18 months
• There has not yet been a widely accepted study to
  show any substantial academic benefits of
  academic software, but some studies have shown
  the contrary.

8
Healy (cont. 3)

• For the most part, kids just play with the
  computer when unsupervised.

9
Final Thoughts

• Technology! I feel as if were being swept down
  this enormous river we dont know where were
  going, or why, but were caught in the current. I
  think we should stop and take a look before its
  too late. Assistant Superintendent of Schools,
  Long Island, NY

10
Final Thoughts (cont. 1)

• In sum, if computers make a difference, it has
  yet to show up in achievement. Samuel Sava,
  Executive Director, National Assoc. Of Elementary
  School Principals.
• The research is set up in a way to find benefits
  that arent really there. Most knowledgeable
  people agree that most of the research isnt
  valid Essentially, its just worthless. Edward
  Miller, Former Editor, Harvard Education Letter.

11
Final Thoughts (cont. 2)

• Finally, Ill leave you with
• Its so cool to be an animator, and you can
  really mess with peoples heads. David J.
  Masher, Animator for Carmen Sandiego.