Customer Reviews

The Flickering Mind: Saving Education from the False Promise of Technology

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In this volume, Oppenheimer takes on the blanket use of computer technology in the classroom. His basic argument is that local school boards are sinking money into technology while basics are being underfunded. Without covering the basics, children will grow up without the ability to think. To compound this problem, technology quickly becomes obsolete, which requires school systems to either use out of date equipment, or to participate in a vicious cycle which sucks funds from underfunded schools.

Two other things that this book really criticized is the promotion of standardized testing and fraudulent educational software companies. This book claims that the promotion of standardized testing has encouraged teachers to use computers to practice endless test drills, but on the other hand, students are not really learning anything other than how to take tests. No one makes a living by answering multiple-choice questions. This use of standardized testing is exploited by educational software companies that use biased studies to support claims that their software increases test scores. Oppenheimer laments that education has become testing rather than learning and thinking.

I believe this book raises a lot of powerful arguments. Oppenheimer isn't against using computers, but their use should be limited in scope. I really recommend that all teachers should examine this book and think critically about the role of computers in their classes.

Todd Oppenheimer's book is an important read for educators, bureaucrats, and parents alike. He is no Luddite and avoids the trap of blaming technology for everything that's wrong with today's youth (c.f. Mark Bauerlein's The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future(Or, Don't Trust Anyone Under 30)). Oppenheimer offers a nuanced critique and shows both the opportunities and the pitfalls of technology use in the classroom. The book is well-researched but doesn't get bogged down in academic jargon. It has a nice balance of engaging anecdotes and discussion of the relevant research literature. I especially appreciated the historical background he provides because that's something missing in much of the discussion about technology & education.

The one part of the book I felt was weak was the author's gushing over Waldorf education. I felt like that section of the book was a propaganda piece rather than a balanced discussion of the pros & cons of Waldorf schooling. I think in this area, he let his personal opinions seriously bias his writing. The reader should take Mr. Oppenheimer's "spin" with a *BIG* grain of salt on this particular topic.

Overall, however, I highly recommend "The Flickering Mind".

This was my first book purchase over the internet, and I was a bit apprehensive about doing it. However, I couldn't have been more pleased about the experience. I received the book about 2 weeks after I ordered it, it was cheaper than if I were to have bought it from my local bookstore, and it was in absolutely excellent condition. I will definitely do it again!