Jim Lively raises a great point about techology: "I am convinced that the 
future will see a great divide of the world population into two new distinct 
groups - (1) those who can access information  and use it effectively, and 
communicate quickly and efficiently; and, (2) those who can't."  Our 
students are disadvantaged in so many ways; as educators, we can't in 
conscience  shirk the responsibility of helping  them gain access to the 
technology that increasingly dominates our culture.  Students know they are 
missing out and demand more computer classes than we can provide at my 
center.  Learning that they can in fact use computers for things that matter 
to them has been a tremendously empowering experience.

However, I disagree with those who argue, as Jim does, that using computers 
necessarily means
"some loss of face-time."  Even the simplest of computer-based ESL lessons 
can be cooperative, and many activities such as Webquests demand 
collaborative work in groups.  It's not about the technology -- it's about 
how you use it.

Wendy Quinones
wbquinones at comcast.net