Benefits of Computers for Children Questioned
In a recent 100 page report, the Alliance for Childhood says that the educational value of computers for children is
an “untested premise.” The group has urged a comprehensive examination by the surgeon general on the “physical, emotional, and developmental
hazards computers may pose, and an immediate moratorium on their further introduction in early childhood and elementary education.”
Dr. Michael Rich
commented “It’s absolutely correct that there’s no substantive evaluation on whether computers are a good, bad, or neutral
thing in the classroom, but a moratorium is not feasible.”
He continued, “I worry about intruding on childhood with a machine that says, ‘there’s a right and wrong answer, and we’ll sit you down until we get the right answer.'”
an “untested premise.” The group has urged a comprehensive examination by the surgeon general on the “physical, emotional, and developmental
hazards computers may pose, and an immediate moratorium on their further introduction in early childhood and elementary education.”
Dr. Michael Rich
commented “It’s absolutely correct that there’s no substantive evaluation on whether computers are a good, bad, or neutral
thing in the classroom, but a moratorium is not feasible.”
He continued, “I worry about intruding on childhood with a machine that says, ‘there’s a right and wrong answer, and we’ll sit you down until we get the right answer.'”