A MICHIGAN school district has spent $45,000 to supply “Smart Phones” to all its third graders. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports:

The expectation is that children will be able to do many of their assignments on their devices, including homework. One advantage is that teachers will be able to create more individualized worksheets and homework assignments based on each child’s ability, so that advanced students are provided more challenges and struggling students are given work that will boost their skills.

But the real advantage of the [phone] program is that it makes schoolwork fun and engaging, which means children spend more time on their schoolwork, officials say.

Modern mass schooling is one big confidence trick. Any child with half an ounce of intelligence could tell you what these phones mean and what opportunities they will provide to do anything but homework. Adults like this distracting gadgetry. It keeps children occupied and out of their hair. How much longer before childhood is an entirely virtual experience? The phones get smarter while the children get dumber.

The superstitious veneration of technology by parents and “educators” is a boon to technology companies. They must be laughing all the way to the bank.

                                                               — Comments —

Ilion T. writes:

I totally agree with what you said … and I’m a computer programmer. 

Technology will never fix the disinclination (which is both individual and institutionalized) to apply oneself to the subject matter and to learn it.

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