EDITORIAL

by Jon Bell

There have been many magazine articles and editorials written in the last few years about the socalled "computer whiz kids" of today. Almost all of these articles mention how wonderful it is that these kids are so proficient with computers, as well as mentioning the importance of computer literacy in the next decade or so. Educators beam and gush enthusiastically about how these kids (unlike many adults, or even the educators themselves) are not afraid of computers. Again, the phrase "computer literacy" enters into the conversation. Both the educators and the kids think it's wonderful.

Personally, I think it's somewhat scary, and I'd like to explain why.

In the last year or so, I have met a number of kids half my age who know much more about programming than 1. They have been brought up on video games and the technological god of rasterscan, and they have graduated to worshipping the higher order of the computer. I guess that there is a slight amount of envy here, since I perceive that these kids are going to become much more adept at programming than I will ever be. They had a head start on me, spending their adolescence (and in some cases, childhood) working hard, becoming computer literate.

What isn't so great is what I have seen in some (not all, thankfully) of these computer kids. I have met kids, who, in their quest to become computer literate, do not interest themselves in anything besides computers. I have read program submissions from kids who chronically misspell words; kids who have nice programs but cannot write documentation for their programs which can be published in A. N. A. L. 0. G. unless the documentation is heavily edited. I have met kids, who, when they aren't in school, do not have any hobbies or play anything except for video or computer games. By sacrificing everything at the altar of the computer, these kids are becoming illiterate. It is my considered opinion that the only way to learn anything other than experiencing something directly is by reading. Reading is an interactive experience. When a child reads, his or her imagination interacts with the printed word and makes the events in the book come alive. Kids who won't read anything other than program documentation or the instructions included with a video game scare me. Or, more precisely, I feel incredibly sorry for anyone who chooses to be illiterate, or who chooses to remain uninformed about the rest of the world. As important as they are (and are becoming), computers aren't the only thing important on this planet. Basic reading and writing skills should come first.

It can be argued that one very good aspect of home computers and video games is that they can be a family activity, keeping the family unit together after dinner, promoting conversation and togetherness, an aspect of American home life that seems to be sadly lacking lately. Also, one can argue, working with computers is an interactive experience; a child is learning by doing. Fine, I agree with both of those points. However, other than the temporary enjoyment that a video game produces while you are playing it, what benefits does a video game provide? Publisher Lee Pappas mentioned to me the recent argument that playing video games increases eye-to-hand coordination and teaches a person how to be a good loser. (That is to say, it teaches persistence and determination; a person wants to top his high score.) I personally think those are rather specious benefits. What possible use is eye-to-hand coordination skill as applied to something other than the particular video game at which one is adept? Sorry, but I can't see that playing Star Raiders (my favorite game, incidentally) has made me more skilled at building models, driving my car or even pasting up the copy for this issue.

Lest many readers think that the previous statements seem surprising coming from the editor of a computer magazine, let me clarify my position by stating that I am not against computers or video games. (Obviously - otherwise, why would I be working here?) What I am against is the singleminded pursuit of any interest, to the exclusion of everything else. I believe that is called fanaticism. Parents-don't let your kids develop into "computer literate" illiterates.