[etni] computers

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I just finished the feature in "Newsweek" about technology and kids.  It 
gives some of the pro's and cons of internet in teaching, but I don't 
remember any real mention of the increase in "culture/education" gap 
between the haves and have-nots.

One point mentioned that we also deal with is that the students aren't 
taught how to summarize, which is a reason for massive 
copying/plagiarism.  Apparently, this important skill is lacking from the 
curriculum world wide.  In Israel this should be a basic element in the 
general elementary school curriculum.  We, the English teachers, shouldn't 
have to teach basic skills.  Is there any forum (in misrad hachinuch for 
example) in which this need can be discussed?

Whether we have our students doing their projects online or only from paper 
(books, magazines, etc.) they need to learn these skills.  Personally 
(maybe because I tend to be rather kinesthetic) I think  that nothing beats 
working from real paper.  It helps to have all of the stages in front of 
oneself, to mark, cross-out, compare.

The article mentioned computer programs for 7 month olds.  There are 
certain developmental skills that modern kids won't be getting.  We'll be 
discovering new types of learning disabilities.  Already many babies need 
physical therapy, because they're not on their stomachs enough to develop 
strong upper bodies and abdomens; crawling is reduced, meaning less 
right-left activities, a prime cause of learning disabilities.

Batya


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