Reflections of a Computer Contrarian - High-Tech Heretic

In the book High Tech Heretic by Clifford Stoll, I only ask one question. Is it necessary that people write books about something that is extremely unnecessary in today's society? Honestly, this book is a thought of how someday teachers may be replaced by a computer. Is it necessary? There will not be a single a soul that will allow that to happen. Now, true that maybe possible in a long stretch, but today's society is not going to allow that to happen. The book also focuses on the use of federal aide spending in schools. Should that go to fixing a computer or to the more needed supplies; pencils, paper, etc...

I would not reccomend this book to anyone who is reading for pleasure. Unless, of course you are looking for a good argument the whole time you read. A person should only read this book on a have-to-basis (i.e. school reading assignment, argumentive paper, etc...).

Reviewed by Nick Rose

Though-out the book Stroll played the role of a teacher that is not for computers in the classroom. He says that a student is in a classroom to learn and if computers are brought in to "help learning" the student will not take in as much. Stroll hit all of his points in a way that makes you rethink the use of computers in the classroom. It was surprising to find out that Stroll is a self proclaimed computer nerd. That would lead you to think that he would be for the use of computers in the classroom but he is the opposite of that way of thinking.

Clifford Stoll gives an insightful and thought-provoking look at America's use of computers and technology, especially computer use in education. Questioning every aspect of computing, Stoll doesn't buy into all the hype surrounding the latest technology and its promise of enriching our lives and solving all of our problems. He is particularly critical of the way schools spend millions of dollars on technology with little proof of its effectiveness. With its many alternative views, this book should give pause to even the most ardent and enthusiastic supporter of technology.

I found Clifford Stolls work "High-Tech Heretic" to be in some ways interesting and eye-opening, and reactionary in others. His view of technonogy makes everything seem more frightning than it really is. Is he trying to use a scare tactic to cause people to avoid modern technology? Some issues were granted, very true and informative, however, many were just way off the wall. Reading this made me think that if a weak minded person who would believe anything would be driven to live a practically Amish existance because of fear of being taken over by machines. I found most of the material in this book to be absolutly rediculous.

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, unless you are completely against using computers in the classroom. I do not agree with most of the idea/concepts he gave towards using computers in the classroom. Computers can be used ineffectively and I agree that a lot of times they are, but that doesn't mean we should just completely get rid of them. They can be an excellent teaching tool if used in the right way. Children can learn so much from computer programs, but this still doesn't mean that you should completely gear your lessons/activities towards computers. Hands-on projects/assignments are always needed. Even though I didn't agree with most of the book, I did have to agree with Stoll when he said that school-age children should not have laptop!

High-Tech Heretic is a well thought out, insightful book by Clifford Stoll. His theory on computers replacing teachers may seem far fetched and even like something out of a Sci-fi movie, but its good to get a different perspective on a topic that many do not think about. I would not recommend though reading this book for pleasure only. While educational, its purposes, to me any way, seem to be just that for education only. It would be very beneficial for anyone studying education, or computers. It's refreshing to get a new look on an everyday thing.

"High-Tech Heretic" by Clifford Stoll, is an interesting and entertaining book. Stoll, amazingly talented and experienced, tackles computers and a few intricacies that come with them. A specific topic that appears throughout the work is the involvement of computers in education. He even suggests eliminating them from the classrooms; an extreme and thought provoking approach. Although parts were not too exciting, overall, his witty sense of humor makes reading this text interesting. Well researched and very informative, I would recommend this book to various audiences.

Hightech Heretic was a very interesting book. I am so used to hearing how wonderful computers are so great for the school systems. But when I started reading this book I heard a different side. The book brought informative points out about how computers might not be so great for all school systems. I enjoy hearing all sides of every story and I found this book very informative. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick read, but something that keeps your attention. Also i recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good debate.

If you've ever found yourself pondering the hours upon hours you or your child spend on the computer, High Tech Heretic by Clifford Stoll is a must-read. While teachers across the nation are guilty of doling out computer homework, Stoll makes the point that computers in the education system are overrated. He explains the high cost that students and schools alike are paying to have computers in the classroom. In short, whether you worship your pc or curse it, this book will make you reconsider your stance on computers.

High-Tech Heretic seemed to overanalyze the use of computers in the classroom. Stoll mentions on several accounts that a good classroom needs no computers, and that a good teacher should be able to hold their lesson without that aid. In today's high-tech society, it's almost unavoidable. Its criticism and controversy will certainly hold attention and spark opinion in readers. It is both entertaining and informative. And no matter where you stand on the issue, Stoll's High-Tech Heretic is certainly a good read.

In my opinion the book "High-Tech Heretic" was extremely repetitive. When reading the first chapter it sounds as if the whole book is going to have different reasons as to why technology should not be used in the classroom. However, the first chapter turned out to be the rest of the book. There was no new information provided throughout the entire book. Also, I believe the book was too long for the subject it was over. There were so many chapters in the book, even if you did read something that you agreed with it was too difficult to come back to that point. The book held no interest in the subject of technology, the book also held no interest in teaching. In my opinion the book could be used as more of a resource if it discussed things more in depth as to why teaching and technology were so intertwined. I would not recommend this book to anyone. Also, I would never read this book again and I do not believe it was a good resource. This book does not give both positive and negative aspects to teaching with a computer resource. I believe this book is too one sided and would not recommend it to anyone.

Clifford Stroll must be locked in the 1960's still. His anti technology veiws are arcane and very naive. For one to honestly believe that computers are not helpful is beyond my capacity of reason. In the last 10 years computers have done a lot for the educational system. Don't misunderstand, I don't think Bill Gates is the mesiah or that computers are the cure all of America's educational woes, but technology has made things more convienant and the learning process now has more avenues. Now we can have options as educators instead of having to use textbooks and only textbooks. Stroll's veiws in my opinion are way off the mark.

I read this book only because it was an assignment for a computer class. The author does bring up a lot of good points about how far computers have come. I do not feel that computers will take over the classroom. They do offer a lot of help for students as well as teachers. They will never be able to offer personalized assistance like a regular classroom teacher will. I would recommend this book to anyone who is highly into computers. I myself am not and did not find the book all that interesting.

You Shouldn't waste your time by reading High Tech Heretic. Stoll talks about how computers and how they are waste of school money and that they are not a good teaching tool. For one he is not a teacher. I would not believe over half the stuff that he wrote. He does not support anything that he says. His grammar through out the whole book is awful! I did however agree with one thing he said. School age kids (k-12) should not have a laptop computer.