One Laptop Per Child pledge

[Michael Costolo]

On 6/1/06, Tom Buskey <tom at buskey.name> wrote:

> At the risk of sounding indignant, I think you're over reacting.  My son
> (2.5 yrs) seems to treat the computer & all the things he does on it as just
> another toy.  Sure I let him at it while I watch TV sometimes.  I also let
> him play with legos, the chalk board, running around the house, the swing,
> etc.
>
> In some ways the computer is better because it interacts/reacts better.
> Just like I'm a better jungle gym becaus I react when he crawls all over me.
>
> The computer is just another toy.  Sometimes we sit down together, sometimes
> he wants to do it himself.
>

I appreciate your thoughts.  My response, though, is to the attitude
that we *have* to get computers into the hands/laps of kids.
Especially those who are "behind" (like Benson's laptop for kids
program, for example).  I have no problems with kids using computers.
Heck, I just put one in my 4 year old's room not too long ago.  But
the notion that a computer is the solution to all that ails the
education process is one that mystifies me.  Establish strong
fundamental skills and build on them, rather than dropping a toy, as
you aptly described it, in their laps.

-- 
"The biggest big business in America is not steel, automobiles, or
television.  It is the manufacture, refinement and distribution of
anxiety."
-Eric Sevareid, American News Commentator (1912 - 1992)