But It's Only A Tool

This collection pushes the reader to think beyond the mantra "it's only a tool," commonly used to neutralize discussions about new technologies in the classroom. The authors explore the threats and promises such powerful technologies bring with them to the institution of public education. The context of market-driven reform initiatives is considered as are the needs of a new techno-savvy generation of students. Both supporters and skeptics will find arguments to support their views. But in the end, all readers will no doubt agree that the "tool" metaphor needs to be avoided when describing new technologies in the classroom. Instruments of power, for better or worse, deserve more respect than that.