Basically Children

We are living in an age of increasing dependence on technology. So, it must follow that we should bolster our children with computer dexterity -- the younger the better. However, if we all agree that wielding the power of whizzing electric currents is a mighty responsibility, would it not be in our best interest to steep the mailable beings in essential life skills? "Preparation," states Lowell W. Monke, author of "The Overdominance of Computers", "does not necessarily warrant early participation." Children should learn to respect and nurture their internal power before handling the exterior power that the world will hand them.

Monke's support for delaying technology education until "later grades"

• A child must learn how to interact in his or her world
• We must be aware of a child's cognitive development
• To succeed academically, it is vital that students develop internal qualities
• Young students must learn analytical skills in order to make the tough decisions they will be asked to make in the future
• Technology should be introduced slowly and with great respect
• University of Munich economists determined that increased student computer usage lowered achievement on standardized tests
• Heavy computer usage stunts emotional growth by limiting the amount of face-to-face interaction between human beings

I agree with Monke that our (American) lifestyle is increasingly technology dependant; however, I feel that the author surrenders human power to the computer. Let us not forget that computers do not rule us and that human beings are perfectly capable of pushing the "off" button.

The classroom is an ideal mecca for human interaction. My classroom will always be whizzing with quit witted remarks and emblazoned discussions. In this setting, technology can only be used to enhance human communication, not replace it.