> > As a Technical Specialist -- I find that PCs (i.e. notebooks or electronic books) are a great tool for any eduational application, when used properly. Yes, laptops can do the work but consider the following: Cost (whatever it is we'll spend it for better education), Repair Cost (laptops cost more to repair), and Space savings (laptops take up less space than stacks of books and are easier to cary around). With the advent of wireless networks it is easy to connect these devices (no cables to run). Implementing laptops is a good thing for education although the teachers and administrators need to realize that you do have to hire the "qualified" technical people to make it happen. Some private schools I have seen use them.

> You make an excellent point. I am not sure the cost measures up to the benefit at this time. In addition to the lack of access (equipment, appropriate software/Internet sites, etc) we must remember that technical support is ongoing and quite costly.

As a Network Technician myself, I do not see the huge benefit of implementing PCs or Laptops as a replacement for textbooks at this time! Teachers would have to go through extensive training, or become totally dependant on technicians to keep their classrooms running. I could see times when the class time would be used totally for troubleshooting purposes and there would be little time for actual academic lessons. The PC or laptop used as a tool to help teachers and student access information to enhance cirriculm and share learning experiences with others throughout the world is a wonderful concept. Replacement of textbooks with laptops could result in a shortage of citizens who can read, write, and do simple math without a machine, and an abundance of citizens whom are adept at PC troubleshooting and navigation.