Gerry Barker's essay, titled "Computers Should Supplement Textbooks, Not Replace Them," is a compilation of opinions that Barker put together in 1997. At that time, Barker was writing a column for The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and he decided to ask his readers for their thoughts regarding a proposal to replace textbooks in Texas public schools with laptops. Barker keeps the essay objective by choosing not to add any commentary on his own opinion. Instead, he makes the raw opinion of the public the focus of his essay.

Most of Barker's respondents voted against replacing textbooks with laptops. One reader's opinion states, teenagers these days "can't seem to do the simplest math in their heads because they grew up with calculators" (254). I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Even I cannot do simple long division without a calculator. It would be a shame to see future generations require a mouse and cursor in order to conduct research.

One respondent who was in favor of laptops in the classroom had a noticeably extreme opinion about the subject. Not only did this reader favor computers over books as a learning resource, but he also stated that he supported "replacing teachers with a video hookup that would have a very qualified teacher in that particular subject, with a monitor in the classroom--who could/should be a teacher" (256). I think this point of view is ridiculous. All children do not respond to the same teaching techniques, and to assume that a prerecorded teacher could effectively reach every child in a class of 20 is not realistic. There could also be problems if a classroom monitor had an opinion that differed from the opinion of the recorded teacher. Do the children put their faith in a pre-recorded expert, or in the less qualified monitor who is able to listen and respond to them personally?

All in all, I found myself siding with those who wanted to keep books in the classroom. I am not ashamed to say that I think reading is a joy, and some of my most prized possessions are books. Computer technology is a valuable research tool, but computers should be used in addition to books, not in place of them. Let the use of computers remain in the libraries and select classrooms of public schools, but don't let them replace books as primary learning resources.

Barker, Terry. "Computers Should Supplement Textbooks, Not Replace Them." CyberReader. 2nd ed. Ed. Victor J. Vitanza. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 1999. 254-256.

Back to Emily's Home?

Write to Emily

Armstrong Atlantic State University's Homepage

Languages, Literature, and Philosophy Department Homepage

Site established Fall Semester 2001; Last updated 2 November 2001; copyright © 2001-2002 Emily Davis.