I fear we once again are entering into "an either/or" discussion. Why are these discussions often phrased in "either we use computers with children or we don't?" If used in the right setting with trained teachers with specific goals to accomplish, there is an enormous body of research that is clear that the use of technology can improve student learning as measured by a variety of measures, including standardized test scores. The question is not, "Does technology positively affect student learning?"; the question should be, "in what circumstances does technology positively affect student learning?" Technology is like any other instructional tool, including the textbook, which, if used appropriately, can help kids learn. By the way, what research is out there that proves that textbooks improve student learning?
> Dr. Brody raises some important topics. While parents may acknowledge their role as supervisors of their childrens internet/computer use, do *they* possess adequate knowledge and skills to feel secure enough in this job?

> Furthermore, is it practical, given all the demands placed on contemporary family life, that parents will be constant monitors of children's computer use? If not, what can be done to educate parents on how to build appropriate family guidelines for responsible, safe and educational use?

> > I heard Jane Healy ( author of Failure to Connect) speak over the weekend and validate many of my concerns about Computers and Education. Valuable ed resources are being used to unfortunately engage kids with gimmicks, not learning. There is no proof other than the wonderful commercials we see that place Halos around these machines that hey are positive for ed.
> > Certainly for younger kids it's ridiculous that parents are preyed on to feel guilty that their kids at 5 cant download. Who knows if even the computer skills learned today will be relavant in 2 years.Kids this age need to write with crayons and pencils. They should physically feel the paper and smell the colors.Spread sheets and research on the net are great if a school has the teachers to train kids( maybe above 9) in their use. I have seen too many closed cartons where the computers were not even removed.
> > A word about safety. This week end I also spoke to a consultant Pediatrician to The Center for Missing and Exploited Children and he says Internet problems are becoming their biggest issue.Computers for children(below 11) should be in a visible place and only operated with a parent present.When I grew up the first rule I was taught was DONT TALK TO STRANGERS. This still appliea in the Digital Age. Dr.Michael Brody
> > American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

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• Re: education and computers mikebro@erols.com, April 04, 2000 (0)