I. The Overdominance of Computers
By Lowell Monke
II. Overview
In “The Overdominance of Computers,” Lowell Monke argues that in a world increasingly dominated by computers and other high-tech tools, schools need to focus on providing students with real-life experiences and ethical preparation rather than providing technology training. He questions the commonly held assumption that computers increase achievement (see quotes 1, 2, 3), and makes the case that because computers symbolize and reflect reality, it is important that students first have a deep understanding of that reality. Without this understanding of reality and without ethical training, Monke argues that the children of today will not be prepared to make decisions about the value of new technological advances to human beings (5). Monke’s final recommendation for schools is to minimize the use of technology tools for younger students to allow them to develop a foundation of understanding of the world, then to give in-depth training not only on how to use high-tech tools in secondary schools, but on how to use them wisely.
