As an educator, I see the advances of technology fast replacing the educational dinosaur, we call a classroom.

Questions we all need to ask ourselves:

1. What do we think an education is for?
2. How do we educate our children?
3. Do we teach people skills or values?
4. Are we teaching children to think creatively?

Students are very savvy in the use of computers, as they have access to all sorts of information. It's like going to the library, but without the bother of driving there. Of course there is always the problem of "going to the library"; and not reading anything.

We need to start instructing students in the use of computers, zeroing in on seven core skills: defining, accessing, managing, integrating, evaluating, creating, and communicating information. The seven core skill areas can be broken down into simple tasks for elementary students, and built upon as the students progress in their knowledge of computer skills.

I just finished reading Neil Postman's, "Technopoly", which takes an opposing viewpoint to the value of technology in our society. The reality is, that technology is here to stay and it becomes more advanced and sophisticated every day. Computers have tooling and format information programmed into them so that spelling, grammar, and page set up can be automatically checked and, in some instances, done for you. Technology especially computers) continue to make our lives more efficient by saving us time, energy, and the ability to communicate on a global scale using various network systems available to computer users. Many programs available to computer users actually teach people of all ages various skills that used to be taught in the classroom. Since this is the case, then why is formal education even necessary? The question provides educational food for thought.

Copyright 2006 by Pamela Beers. All rights reserved.