Virtual, non-authentic experiences

Lowell Monke's "Charlotte's Webpage" (pages 194-204) suggests that too much technology isn't good for the souls of little boys and girls.

And here's something to consider: if you're overexposed to a "similated world," you risk becoming dead to the real world. You risk losing all sense of connection, your sense of place.

Basically put, technology is way too powerful for human beings to use sensibly, especially little boys and girls with undeveloped brains.

Computers come with a cost, one that Monke describes as "a Faustian bargain." Wow.

Again, I understand the points Monke is making, although I do feel that he's being a bit over the top. Do kids need more experiential learning opportunities? Sure. Is too much exposure to technology, especially computers and gaming systems, harmful? Well, maybe. But maybe not to the extent that Monke suggests.

I was saddened to learn that many schools have eliminated recess. I cannot imagine how a school can eliminate the milk break at 10, the lunch break at 12, and the afternoon respite at 2. Seriously. Kids gots to play. And schools that don't get that are more of a threat than schools that spend money on technology.