Oversold and Underused: Computers in the Classroom

by Larry Cuban

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Impelled by a demand for increasing American strength in the new global economy, many educators, public officials, business leaders, and parents argue that school computers and Internet access will improve academic learning and prepare students for an information-based workplace.

But just how valid is this argument? In Oversold and Underused, one of the most respected voices in American education argues that when teachers are not given a say in how the technology might reshape schools, computers are merely souped-up typewriters and classrooms continue to run much as they did a generation ago. In his studies of early childhood, high school, and university classrooms in Silicon Valley, Larry Cuban found that students and teachers use the new technologies far less in the classroom than they do at home, and that teachers who use computers for instruction do so infrequently and unimaginatively.

Cuban points out that historical and organizational economic contexts influence how teachers use technical innovations. Computers can be useful when teachers sufficiently understand the technology themselves, believe it will enhance learning, and have the power to shape their own curricula. But these conditions can't be met without a broader and deeper commitment to public education beyond preparing workers. More attention, Cuban says, needs to be paid to the civic and social goals of schooling, goals that make the question of how many computers are in classrooms trivial. (20010820)

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Average Customer Review: 4 out of 5 stars

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3 out of 5 stars

Are they really underused?, 2003-03-17
The book contains a lot of good information, including surveys, and observations. I do however, have some questions. If computers are so underused, how come everybody is always trying to get more lab time because the computer labs are booked up?

Secondly, there are technophobes. Some people just can't handle any kind of technology. How many vcr's still flash 12:00?

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars Every school should read, 2003-02-20
Oversold and underused is a great read (informative and precise) for any school personel who are interested in learning more about what is happening or may happen with your technology money. Larry Cuban has provided great research that backs up his statements of how computers and technology are being underused in today's educational setting. If you think that the new technology revolution is going to reinvent our educational system, I suggest that you spend a few hours reading this book first.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4 out of 5 stars Food for Thought, 2003-02-18
In his book "Oversold and Underused Computers in the Classroom", Larry Cuban gives us much to consider with regard to the placement of computer technology in our nation's schools. Computer technology was touted by reformers, politicians, and school administrators as being the innovation that was going to change the way our teachers teach and our students learn. Literally billions of dollars have been spent on infrastructure, computers, projectors, software, and both mobile and stationary labs. But to what end? What, if anything, has changed?

Cuban supplies the reader with a look at schools in Silicon Valley and their attempts to bring about change through technology implementation. While teachers may use computers at home or for administrative tasks at school, they have yet to integrate technology use and bring about change through constructivist methodologies. His prognosis for change is pessimistic at best.

I believe that Dr. Cuban has presented a very valid case and has substantiated his position with plenty of good data. The book was easy to read and understand. I found the case studies to be particularly good reading. I would recommend that school board members, administrators, teachers, elected officials, and concerned parents read this book and thoughtfully consider his case.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars A problem shared by the entire nation!, 2003-02-16
As teachers, we all get frustrated with the limited technology in our schools. We have the equipment, but it isn't adequate for all of us to use. Larry Cuban explores this problem in great detail, offering an explanation as to why the billions of dollars spent across the nation on computers isn't improving academic performances. He also offers solutions as to what the nation needs to do to remedy this situation. A very thought provoking piece! If only our politicians would read it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking for technophiles and technophobes, 2002-10-10
In Larry Cuban's book, Oversold and Underused: Computers in the Classrooms, the author contends that all the technology that has been infused in schools has done little to change the way teachers teach. Furthermore, he believes that technology probably will never change the way teachers teach. He researchers the technology in schools in Silicon Valley, thinking that if technology will change the way we teach, what better place to begin his research. He finds that very little has changed in the way teachers teach and children learn even in this geographical area where technology in schools all began. He gives very detailed and specific research, and then gives his reasons why he believes the way he does. He understands that technology is here to stay, but unless schools first concentrate on learning and their core and social values, technology will continue to be oversold and underused. Although I disagree with him on some of his observations, this book has certainly made me think and will change the way I make future decisions when recommending what technology should be purchased and how it should be incorporated so that it will not be underused.

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