[Mpls] Computers in schools

[heather martens]

About changing the platform of school computers from Mac to something else: The most immediate result would be having to buy all new software. Hmm.   I've questioned whether having young children use computers is a worthy goal, and I think that's a better question than what platform should be used. Larry Cuban, a researcher at Stanford University, has done research and reviewed others' research about the effects of computer use with young children, and he concludes that children shouldn't use computers before they are seven years old.   The Educational Testing Service has issued a report by Harold Wenglinsky that calls computers an unrealized promise. A steadfast proponent of computer use in schools, Wenglinsky seems perplexed that computers haven't yielded the achievement results that everyone seems to expect, despite all the effort and resources devoted to computer use and teacher training. He stubbornly urges that schools pursue MORE teacher training on computers.   As a former teacher, I say if something fails, don't keep doing it.   Don't waste Kindergarten teachers' time trying to find appropriate ways to use computers with young children. Let them use their training time becoming more effective all around -  not just during the half hour a week they may spend on computers. Stop making computer use an end in itself. Let the teachers of the older students use computers to further their academic aims; don't just tell them they'd better teach with computers.   The state now requires that all teachers seeking certification prove they can figure out ways to use computers with children. Charter schools in Minnesota, regardless of their focus or the age of their students, have to show how they will "integrate computers throughout the curriculum." Our state requires computers to be good for all children, but the evidence doesn't indicate that they are. I think this has something to do with how much money there is behind the computer proponents. One big booster is the Milken Family Foundation, whose work is heavily cited by MPS. (Remember Michael Milken? Now that he's out of jail, he's making national education policy.) I am concerned about the effect of an interest-group driven policy on our younger children, for whom computer use is the most egregious misuse of time.   MPS policy continues to require Kindergarteners to use computers, to learn things like "pre-research skills" and "how information is organized." Is this time well spent for five- year-olds, most of whom are still learning letter-sound connections and how to count?   Which of the school board candidates would consider changing the policy that requires young children to use computers, as a stand-alone subject, each week?   Heather Martens Kingfield