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Oversold and Underused: Computers in the Classroom

Name: Oversold and Underused: Computers in the Classroom
Price: 31 USD
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Book Synopsis: Impelled by a demand for increasing American strength in the new global economy, many educators, public officials, business leaders, and parents argue that school computers and Internet access will improve academic learning and prepare students for an information-based workplace. But just how valid is this argument? In Oversold and Underused, one of the most respected voices in American education argues that when teachers are not given a say in how the technology might reshape schools, computers are merely souped-up typewriters and classrooms continue to run much as they did a generation ago. In his studies of early childhood, high school, and university classrooms in Silicon Valley, Larry Cuban found that students and teachers use the new technologies far less in the classroom than they do at home, and that teachers who use computers for instruction do so infrequently and unimaginatively. Cuban points out that historical and organizational economic contexts influence how teachers use technical innovations. Computers can be useful when teachers sufficiently understand the technology themselves, believe it will enhance learning, and have the power to shape their own curricula. But these conditions can't be met without a broader and deeper commitment to public education beyond preparing workers. More attention, Cuban says, needs to be paid to the civic and social goals of schooling, goals that make the question of how many computers are in classrooms trivial.

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Are computers truly transforming schools and enhancing students' learning experience? According to Larry Cuban, a renowned voice in American education, the answer is far more complex. In his book, Oversold and Underused: Computers in the Classroom, Cuban challenges the prevailing notion that simply placing computers in classrooms will revolutionize education. Instead, he argues that for technology to make a real impact, teachers must be empowered to shape their own curricula and embrace innovative instructional methods. Without this crucial involvement, computers become nothing more than glorified typewriters.

Cuban's research in Silicon Valley revealed a startling reality: the use of technology in classrooms is far less frequent and imaginative than one might believe. Whether due to a lack of understanding, limited belief in its benefits, or a lack of resources, teachers often underutilize computers for instruction. To truly harness the power of technology, teachers must have a deep understanding of its potential and the freedom to explore the best ways to incorporate it into their teaching practices.

It is essential to consider the broader goals of education beyond merely preparing individuals for the workforce. Cuban advocates for an educational system that prioritizes civic and social development alongside traditional academic learning. While the number of computers in classrooms may seem like a trivial matter, the focus should shift towards empowering teachers to create meaningful educational experiences that go beyond the digital realm.

If you believe that education should be more than just a means to an end and want to understand the true potential of technology in the classroom, Oversold and Underused: Computers in the Classroom is a must-read. Empower yourself with insights that challenge the status quo and uncover the strategies needed to truly enhance learning. Unlock the possibilities of technology in education by purchasing the book today.

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