Typically, such new ideas are greeted with excitement, put into system-wide use right away, and then quietly dropped several years later when the next fad comes along. So far, this pattern seems to be holding true for computers. Right now, we are in the stage of hyperbole and excitement, with all sorts of wonderful things being promised. In many schools, however, major disadvantages have already begun to show up. Because everyone wants to buy computers, there is not as much money for books and equipment.
Some schools are so focused on fund-raising for computers that academic goals get less emphasis.
Surprisingly often, a lack of well-defined objectives is resulting in children just playing pointless games or drawing pictures on their computers. It would be a pity if computers in schools went the way of earlier fads. Used properly, there are many ways that they can enhance and extend learning. During the junior grades, children should be given extensive training in computer applications, beginning with fluent keyboarding skills. Once the children are competent in the use of the technology, computers should be integrated into the program and treated like an additional tool, like pencils and books, for learning.