Unplugged: The Myth Of Computers In The Classroom Analysis

Since the early 1980’s, computers have proved to be a revolutionary advancement with regards to providing an efficient environment for the American educational system. However, one should note the use of the term efficient. Although computers provide a quick solution to many educational issues, they lack in providing an academic construct for students to build upon in the future. David Gelernter argues in his essay “Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom” why computers will do more harm than good in educating todays tomorrow. Gelernter does not merely direct his argument toward teachers and professors, but he addresses parents and caregivers as well. The argument focuses upon providing the best possible educational experience for children today, and that can only be done by developing a technological independence from computers and the like. After Gelernter expresses his …show more content…
A main point of Gelernter’s follows the solution to disorganized history classes; he declares “Teaching children to understand the orderly unfolding of a plot of a logical argument is a crucial part of education.”(98). This not only summarizes all uses of ethos as well as the main argument, but also introduces an emotional appeal that draws the audience closer to his perspective. This use of pathos changes the direction of the article - the question of including computers in the classroom becomes secondary to the question of administering a proper learning environment for the young generation. To exemplify this shift, Gelernter states three rules concerning the use of computers in the classroom should it happen. Summarized, they are, computer programs must offer creative thinking, they should be used sparingly, and that teachers must still fulfill their duty in educating their students on a personal level. These rules tie a bow on Gelernter’s argument, leading into his final