I may have an old school mentality on this subject, due to my age.
I think the public education system should teach/familiarize kids with today's technology, but there's no reason EVERY child in the school district should have a laptop provided by the school. The only thing it's doing is costing the taxpayers.
I grew up with chalkboards, overhead projectors, pen and paper, no a/c in the classroom. We had typing classes on "fancy" typewriters. Computers were introduced later in my education by way of a "computer lab", or one classroom full of desktop computer. Some new-fangled tech like the Commodore 64.
We all turned out just fine, and probably more level-headed than today's youth.
I graduated High School, chose the military over college, and consider myself above middle class with a 6 figure salary.
I do lack technical expertise, but know how to use computers and programs, and do so when needed.
( but I still cant get the clock on my VCR to stop flashing 12:00)
Your joke is too old. The young ones are unfamiliar with the concept of a VCR.
Your school example was nearly exactly like mine, but no projectors, that would be luxury. Like yours, they eventually added an optional computer lab, and you had to pay extra to get in, those were Apple ][e clones. And yes, in my time there was still the typewriting class, i still own a pure mechanical typewriter bought back then so i could practice at home. It never got much use, because i already had an Apple //c computer with printer to do actual school work.
There was no Internet, researching things involved physically going to a (school) library, it was limited, tedious and slow, so slow... In this age its a couple of searches away from your pc. For good or bad, you can get the info, and do your homework. But there is also pre-made homework made by others. i don't even know how education coped with current technology, i don't think it did...
I remember some math teachers allowed calculators and some didn't. A similar discussion was going on back then, as it was the pocket calculator era (previous gen had no such thing).
And what is there to come. Implants?
If you deprive your kid from gadgets, he/she will come in contact with those at school. And yes i'm aware of a trend in America about not letting kids go to school at all and instead have home school, but i'm not sure how that even works (its illegal in my country, as primary education at an approved institution is compulsory).
There is also the things they teach at school and its usefulness later in the real world. There are basic things everyone agrees should learn, but some things might seem obsolete or redundant at best. Letting them explore and choose what they feel best with, seems to be getting complicated too.
What is "too much tech"? Is it focused into learning or not? Chalkboard vs e(ink)board is too much? They can both do the same (and in theory the eboard keeps memory so you could copy things you missed later).
What about surveillance, should they have security cameras everywhere so no bullying goes unpunished?
In my days using computers was considered optional. Today is essential to know basic use to get a job.
