Guest Commentary: CQ Researcher Pro/Con 'Should Schools Use As Much Digital Technology as They Can Afford?'

CQ Researcher, the backbone for general research in politics, public policy, and American institutions of all kind, has taken an in-depth look at the growth and future of K-12 online learning in the United States.
The report, "Digital Education: Can technology replace classroom teachers?" includes a debate between Curt Bonk, an Indiana University technology professor and Paul Thomas, an associate professor of education at Furman University.
Their topic: "Should schools use as much digital technology as they can afford?"
Bonk is a definite "yes."
"Effective learning requires an environment designed for multiple paths to success," Bonk writes. In the 21st century, digital technologies--social networking, e-books, shared online video, mobile applications, virtual worlds, collaborative tools, etc.--enhance the learning opportunities for untold millions of learners."
On the "no" side, Thomas warns that "the foundational principles of public education for democracy and human agency must not fall prey to preparing children for the future by perpetually acquiring new technology because we can never know that future."
Click here to read both sides of the debate.
(H/T to CQ Researcher for citing Liberating Learning's 50-State Wiki Project as a place to track state developments in online learning politics and policies).