Posted By: Thomas W. Lee
Here's my letter-to-the-editor published this week. I used seven-year old software on my four-year old computer to compose this. I hope I can keep the attention of the two out of three people whom found schoolwork boring. Sorry, no fancy graphics, just my thoughts in less than 300 words. And yes, that's my real name.
Text of my letter to the Town Courier, April 22nd edition:As a parent of two school children, I intend to vote NO for the upcoming Okemos bond issue. The technology portion is simply asking too much.I'm no Luddite. I'm an engineer, and have worked for 30 years in design development, testing, reliability, and manufacturing. I've seen enough to know technology often creates more problems than the one it is trying to solve. Embracing the latest technology can result in the buyer becoming the unofficial "field tester" to see what problems occur. The Smartboard, PDA, interactive-remote package fits this scenario. Where are the data on the reliability of these products? Check their website, there are none.
More importantly, where are the data showing increased student test scores? A University of London report published in January show NO advantage with these products. Bottom line, the bond is asking for a huge leap of faith (and $) on the cost-benefit ratio.
I bought my first computer when I was 32. I'm no whiz, but do use them every day, despite the late start. And computers have only gotten easier to use in the 15 years since. Similarly, our kids have been and will continue to function also. We do not need a complete overhaul of the computer system at OPS for fear our children will not be equipped to handle college, work, life.
I believe this bond issue is preying on parents' own fear of technology. We rely on our children to run the DVD player, ergo it's because we didn't have technology in school. In fact, our children are immersed in technology every day. They will figure it out on their own; always have, always will.
For more information, check CommonSenseForOkemos.org.
Thomas W. Lee
Okemos