[pachyderm]

This is a story of a California school which has no computers, and to which Silicon Valley employees of Apple, Google, and so on, send their children:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/te...ref=technology

[Caretaker Leo]

Wow! How refreshing to read that article. I am old enough to know that anyone can learn to use technology - but unlike so many young people today, I can also figure out math problems in my head, pen a real snail-mail letter, and find a hard copy book at the library to gather information.

[DocClyde]

I hear you there. I find is shameful that a lot of schools are not teaching cursive anymore either.

When I was working on my dissertation, you would not believe all the stuff I had to look up, etc., like 8 or so pages of references

I think computers are important and I think the "older stuff" is important too. I think its very important we use both, and keep both. We need to learn how to think for ourselves too--I worry sometimes that's leaving through the ease of the Internet. But I also use it quite heavily.

I just think we shouldn't let go of somethings teaching wise in the past that have been beneficial.

[Caretaker Leo]

My hub and I have been wondering how people will be able to sign legal documents in the future if they aren't taught cursive handwriting.

And, I have found my jaw drop when shopping with younger people who can't figure out how much 20% off is on an item without pulling out a calculator.

The mix of old ways and technology can create an interesting weave into the tapestries of our lives. I do fear that younger people will miss out on the opportunity to make their brains "think" and become blindly accepting of what others say out in cyberspace.

[newtus]

I'm in my early twenties, but I went to private schools and didnt start public school until I was in 3rd grade and started using a computer then, too, in-class, regularly. Im glad I do not need to even make a note to do stuff offline. I love to read, I hate e-books. I love to write and many other things. Math isn't my strong suit, but it never was to begin with. Growing up in the digital tech age, it's just...something about having a physical book in my hand, (for example) enhances the reading experience compared to an ebook, amongst loads of other actual THINGS.

[Sabrina]

I must admit that my son has no idea how to do a school project without the internet. We had to go to the library for research and draw our own pictures. Now they are allowed to use Wikipedia and print the pictures of the internet. Certainly saves time if anything else.

[jbug]

I like this. What the kid at the end said is true you can still write with a pen and paper if the power goes out.

Jan

[DocClyde]

I actually do like both approaches, evidently, but if we lose how to think without machines, what do we become?

[gma45]

Very good article Pachyderm. I do believe computers do have their place, but not learning cursive? What a shame. I actually know of a court case where a Grandmother could not get custody of her grandson because the judge said she didn't have the internet. Is that wrong or what? I don't know where this world is headed but I kinda like the back to basics approach when it comes to some things.