Lowell W. Monke’s article, “The Overdominance of Computers,” provides an alternative view of technology and tikes. According to most of the literature out today, we need to incorporate more technology in to our classrooms; Monke argues that this is not the case, for we cannot give these students technology until they have learned the necessary “inner resources – like discipline, moral judgment, and empathy…” (p.20). Technology can be used in the classroom, but we need to understand that technology is not a right but a privilege. Monke pulls in data that shows a relationship between lower test scores due to more computer access in the schools and at home. Monke continues to point out that without the necessary human skills such as respect, compassion, and trust, students using technology will not be able to “directly connect their own actions with the consequences of those actions, and to reflect on the outcomes” (p.21). Thus,
before we set elementary and even secondary students, in front of computers, Monke maintains that we must analyze how the technology will actually help them, asking ourselves which is more important:
the ability to use technology effectively, or
have the moral capacity to distinguish right from wrong, just from unjust.
To continue reading my review of this article, please click here.
