Subscribe to one of our news e-mail lists . Billions of dollars spent on school computers and Internet connections deliver little long-term benefit and could be better spent on more teachers and other improvements, a group critical of technology in the classroom said Tuesday. If we were spending so much money on other aspects of education with so little evidence of gain, we'd be ashamed of ourselves.
Many experts say there is little direct evidence tying computer use and higher school achievement.
That money, the report concludes, could be better spent on other educational priorities such as reducing class sizes, repairing schools and eliminating lead poisoning. The report warns that computers may account for a rise in health problems among children, including repetitive stress injuries, eye strain and obesity. Focusing too much on technology can also distract children from the social interaction they need to develop language skills and bonds with adults. The Associated Press . All rights reserved.