Don't know whether this has anything to do with this topic, but I feel computers are a mixed blessing, as far as learning devices go. Games like AH are challenging and offer great entertainment, especially for adults. They most probably do help develop a sense of hand-eye coordination for young folks and teens...if not overdone to the exclusion of everything else. Real life hand-eye coordination is developed through the visual arts, i.e. drawing pictures. Since AH, and most other computer games, are visual in nature, they do appeal to the right side of the brain...the part associated with abstract thought, and.....mathematics.
Imo, computers in schools are useful for things such as learning Word and Office...typewriting and accounting class in the old days. The information gleaned from the Internet may not be trustworthy for serious academic work (writing of essays and articles), unless it comes from a library. By the time a child goes to college, being able to type well would be a distinct advantage toward writing the essays...much easier and faster to correct mistakes on a word processor or computer than old-style typewriter.
Two points and then I'll go. There is no sustitute for reading books, where the reader's own imagination is working. Books are superior to computers, because they can be read anywhere, and a computer is not required equipment. Also, legitimate "school" books contain a bibliography listing all sources refered to in any particular article. Imo, use of computers and the Internet is comparable to Cliff's Notes for school work on anything but the college level.
The thing I have the most concern with computers, is the development of a "point and click" methodology in the minds of young people. Real life doesn't work that way, but instead requires hard work, and often the setbacks of failure, to accomplish anything of lasting substance.
As far as the reliability of computers in mathematical processes... they are not the final word. Slide rules are, when it comes to something important like the design and building of man rated rockets. The computer in the rocket only does what it's programmed to do. It cannot think...Yet!!!
I'm all for using the computer for serious business, whatever the job requires. Can't say I agree with dependency on it in schools to educate students. "Computers in every classroom" may be a bad idea, in the long run.
Les
Btw, I'm a visual graphic artist, and not a big reader, nor math connoisseur. Unfortunately, I went to elementary school during the "new math", "whole language" period and didn't get much of an education in either one till I went to college.
