Analysis of Stoll's Essay, On Classrooms, With and Without Computers

Analysis of Stoll's Essay, On Classrooms, With and Without Computers

Clifford Stoll's essay "On Classrooms, with and without Computers" discusses the role computers play in the modern classroom. Although the theme is not directly stated at the beginning of the piece, it soon becomes apparent that Stoll believes that computers do not have the ability to give a person, especially a child, a complete education because "only human beings can teach the connections between things." He uses a style of asking questions and then answering them himself, which works well because it causes the reader to think about the topic before Stoll presents his own argument. It also keeps the essay organized, although it makes the text seem choppy at times. His tone is educated, though sometimes sarcastic. The audience that he writes for would likely be parents, teachers, and other people concerned about quality education; and they are also likely to be fairly educated people themselves. The essay is based on the warrant that computers have inherent limitations that should not be ignored. In order to support his claim of fact, Stoll uses three ideas.

The first support claim questions the value of the information the children are receiving from computers. An example Stoll uses is a Computer-Using Educators conference when a speaker pointed out the amount of research a computer can generate. One teacher remarked that the printed pages were worthless in a classroom without a great deal of sorting and working. Audience members unfamiliar with computers would sympathize with this situation, although a technologically advanced group might be experienced enough to cut down on extra work. Either way, it implies that more precise methods might work better.

Stoll's second support claim discusses how people view computers. In American school systems computer classes are replacing other classes like home economics and drivers education. Logical thinkers would be persuaded that emphasis on computers is shortsighted. When David Thornburg, director of the Computer-Using Educators conference, says that soon students will not need to use library because of the information they can get at home on the Internet, Stoll expresses disbelief at the notion. Educated people accustomed to learning in several different ways would agree with the idea that there is more to learning than this one resource.

Stoll also uses the learning styles of children to support his claim. There is a physical side of education that cannot be simulated on screen, and a persuasive point that he makes is that by encouraging inquisitiveness in all of the areas of education children will have a broader basis on which to learn.