The Computer Delusion

The Computer Delusion suggests that computers are much like the other technological advances of the past. There is always lots of buzz about new advances in technology and how they will "change the world". Computers got great buzz. The difference with this technology is that people bought the buzz and the public, including teachers and schools, saw computers as necessary. Many school districts believed that computers were so important, in fact, that in order to afford them, they took the drastic measure of cutting other programs, like music and art.

The computer delusion is that people jumped on the computer bandwagon with no evidence that computers would do what they were told. The delusion is that people were putting all of their faith in students' success on the new technology. They dismissed other options for students that were perhaps not inclined to go to college and pursue careers in academic areas. The delusion was that computer's would make their children smarter when there was no clear evidence that computers would increase student achievement.

Computers and technology are extremely valuable, and it is necessary to expose our children to it and educate them using these technologies, but computers and technology alone will not increase student achievement and success. We need to keep art, music and other programs in our schools. We need to keep programs available for all types of students and keep their options open. Computers alone will not encourage success nor will they encourage students to work harder and strive greater. On the contrary, computers alone can create lazy, underachievers because not everything about computers is great.

There needs to be a balance within all academic areas. Technology should be integrated with academics and should add value to the curriculum. To think otherwise is delusional.