But lazy teachers claim that computers are part of the real world now, so kids need to learn how to use computers.
Which is stupid. Kids aren't learning computer engineering in school. They're "learning" how to entertain themselves by clicking social media.
Teachers have no say in what is taught. The curriculum is mandated by the district. Teachers know that the use of phones and computers is destroying learning, because they see it every day in the kids they teach. But nobody asks their opinion.
It’s not so much laziness as it is too many teachers who are unqualified to teach their courses are being allowed to teach.
Teachers demanding students have laptops or PCs is somewhat ironic. I remember when the first hand-held calculators were introduced in the 70s. Teachers - even up to the college level - forbid students to have these little devices in the classroom.
Computer literacy is a form of literacy, and I've nothing against literacy. At the same time, my fellow millennials could profit from the study of critical thinking, in which they are more deficient than their elders (many of whom are also befuddled). Furthermore, some people are never going to excel at reading, writing, or math, but the world needs electricians, plumbers, shoemakers, mechanics, and farmers -- all of whom need the ability to think.
Computers are a teaching aid, as long as you have a proper teacher. Mine gave me a desk with a brand new Windows 98 when I was nose level with the space bar, and it helped me immeasurably. Still does. My favorite hangout on the laptop is youtube, where I probably see 20 educational videos for every 1 movie. It's also good for classical music and a bit of current events.
The problem is dependency on the phones for social life, not to mention other basic things my peers can't do well -- read a book, read a clock, deploy proper English, write cursive, drive safely, make change of a dollar, or look where they're going. Pretty sure nobody on Tik Tok is going to teach these things. We're lucky if public school teachers will, either.
How I loathe the explanation/acceptance of so many ills as simply being “Just the way things are now!”, or “We just need to get used to change!” Our civilization is crumbling around us in a million ways, right before our eyes, and there are some (many?) who just go along with it, as if the ‘changes’ are benign.