Technology is reshaping education. But is it helping students learn?
Summary
PBS News Hour’s Horizons features Natasha Singer, author of "Coding Kids," who examines how Big Tech has reshaped public schools through initiatives like Chromebooks and coding programs. Singer discusses the gap between corporate promises of educational equity and the lack of evidence for improved student outcomes, noting how the rise of AI has disrupted previous career-focused curricula. The episode also covers the growing national pushback from parents concerned about "corporate capture" and screen time, highlighting recent decisions by districts like New York City to restrict student-fac…
Topics discussed
Introduction: The debate over tech in schools
The rise of ed-tech and the parent revolt
The original pitch: Equity and career skills
History of Big Tech: From Apple to Chromebooks
Modern classrooms and 'Chromebook Remorse'
The push for computer science education
AI's impact on coding jobs and student expectations
Corporate capture: Comparing pharma and ed-tech
Parent pushback and NYC's ban on student-facing AI
Khan Academy's AI approach and the purpose of schools
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