Abstract

New technologies are two-edged swords—their immediate benefits are generally accompanied by harmful side effects that are long term and difficult to predict. This paper examines one possible side effect of using computer technology for learning. It is argued that the pattern of externalizing skills that is part of the character of computers results in an atrophying of many of the most essential inner qualities that students need to develop. A number of examples are given from the author's own experience, mostly involving use of the Internet for communication purposes. It is suggested that we must pay much closer attention to the ways in which these new technologies restructure human activity if we are to understand their full effects on learning.

Citation

Monke, L. (1998). Computers in schools: Moving education out of the child into the machine. Internet and Higher Education, 1(2), 147-155. Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved March 22, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/86749/.

Keywords

• Computer Assisted Instruction
• computer mediated communication
• Computer Uses in Education
• educational technology
• Elementary Secondary Education
• instructional materials
• internet
• learning
• Man Machine Systems
• Skill Development
• Student Development