The Role of “Computers in the Schools” Revisited

Abstract

The 20th anniversary of Computers in the Schools seems an appropriate time to take stock of the effects of computers in the schools. The past, present, and potential future effects on K-12 education are reviewed in this article. Three eras are considered-characterized by initial theoretical foundations, current practice, and future transformations-with an emphasis on the coming transformational era, in which the authors believe multisubject, personal portable computers will become nearly universally available. Educators need to begin planning now for the effects of ubiquitous computing and consider ways in which universal access to computing might permit reconceptualization of the school curriculum. The kinds of educational software available to schools will substantially affect how computers are used. An open source software development model is described that can potentially empower teachers with the capability to adapt and modify programs according to local needs. A call for an international dialog on the intersecting trends of ubiquitous computing and the open source educational model is issued.