How Will Laptops Help?

People interested in education should read this piece by Prof. Mark Bauerlein (hat tip Joe K).  This much is clear: at least one generation of Americans has been miseducated, and we should be ashamed of ourselves.  Instead, we propose giving more electronic gizmos to students in the misbegotten notion that somehow "technology" will get them more excited and help them learn.  Just what our students need: another electronic distraction.  The notion that computers will somehow enhance learning likely stems from a false notion.  That notion is that we need to make learning "fun" and "exciting" or kids won't learn.  Are we now hedonists?  Do we do nothing unless it gives us pleasure?  In academia we call our subjects "disciplines" because they require, well, discipline.  It takes work and while work is rewarding, it is not always "fun."   Perhaps you argue that in the age of PS2, ipod, MTV, the O.C., etc., if the schools aren't "hip" and "fun" then students will get bored.  Then shame on us for indulging their passion for mindless distraction.   I believe I have mentioned before that a colleague in English once told me that the average high school graduate today has half the vocabulary of the graduate of one generation ago.  We are losing our ability to communicate in the English language, and our solution is to give our students more toys.  Good grief, Charlie Brown.