Student laptops won't replace good teachers

I don’t believe the plan to require a laptop for every high school student is not going to help educate our kids in many of the basic educational needs. Sure, they will know how to use the computer, but even I can do that.

The computer knows how to spell but not everyone uses the spell check on their computer. This is evidenced by the number of misspelled words you see in the newspaper and on television.

Nor can the computer tell the different meaning of words that sound the same, or similar, but are used incorrectly. Examples are bridal used in place of bridle, or vice versa. Another common mistake us using Calvary in place of cavalry, or vice versa.

The classified ads are an interesting place to find errors. I don’t know if they originate with the person placing the ad or not. One prime example is a recent one for wrought iron fencing that was listed as rot iron. The computer did not know the difference. Apparently someone else didn’t either.

These are things that the person operating the computer needs to know. It is quite obvious that, as a nation, we are rapidly falling behind in learning the basics.

The “laptop for every child” will not replace a good teacher.

LARRY SMITH

Sandpoint