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Thursday, September 18, 2003 Students need more than
gadgets to succeed The Aug. 26 article "Gadgets to Make Sure You're Plugged In" seemed more like a sales pitch than news. It unquestioningly promoted the notion that the path to academic achievement lies in buying the right technology. It stated explicitly, though somewhat tongue-in-cheek, that the Speaking Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary by Franklin will "help get your child into Harvard." Simply equipping students with gadgets does not instill the knowledge, wisdom and ethics to use them effectively and appropriately. Such preoccupation with technology leaves us open to a host of ills. It puts us in danger of producing a generation more adept at interacting with things than with each other. The dilemmas that confront our society require workers and citizens who can apply skills and technology to solve their own and broader human problems; not mindless robots who know how to play Tetris and Space Invaders on their Personal Digital Assistants. The Aug. 25 Post-Gazette included an article on how to afford the high cost of college ("College 101"). The article mentioned the importance of grades and academic performance. Perhaps forgoing the $100 talking dictionary, games and digital camera for your kid's cell phone/PDA might be a good start. Instead, buy an inexpensive printed dictionary and some books, read and discuss ideas around the household, and teach your kids communication skills and how to make wise decisions along with computing skills. CHARLES LANIGAN
Editor's note: The writer is former president of the Pittsburgh
Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication and a member of IT
Cluster Workforce Education Board, Catalyst Connection of Southwestern
Pennsylvania.
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