Schools should beware of technology companies bearing gifts
In 2016, Apple CEO Tim Cook showered a rural Idaho school district with 500 iPads and Apple TVs for every classroom, along with free training as part of a 29-state, $100-million personalized digital-technology program. He visited the Idaho schools recently with Ivanka Trump, who praised the "laboratories of innovation" for using Apple products "to transform the learning environment and personalize students' educational experiences based on their unique needs and strengths."
With all due respect, this is what I call Edutech Shiny Toy Syndrome. And it is out of control. Kids don't need screens for individualized educational experiences. They are already on those stultifying, addictive, isolating screens far too much.
Why give captive schoolchildren more tech crack inside the classroom? And what is this "personalized learning" mumbo jumbo? That's what human beings — you know, parents and teachers — are for at home and at school.
Besides, after three years, what is the proof that all of Apple's and Google's and Microsoft's infiltration of the classroom is producing academic improvement and results? There is none. The Silicon Valley companies don't want to talk about academic achievement. Neither do all of the salivating administrators and edutech cheerleaders happily taking shiny-toy bribes.
That Idaho superintendent so enamored of Apple's goodies even admitted: "We're not trying to boost a test score here, we are trying to change a narrative for students."
I'll control my own kids' "narratives" and their personal data, thank you very much.
Parents across the political spectrum understand "personalized learning" is CONTINUE READING: Schools should beware of technology companies bearing gifts | Commentary | Dallas News
