Is tech industry a savior or danger to education?
By John Borland and Evan Hansen
Staff Writers, CNET News.com
November 11, 2003, 4:00AM PT
Rather than provoking immediate protests over academic independence as they have in previous years, the arrangements are now accepted openly by many teachers and administrators desperate for resources.
The partnerships are growing even in the absence of proof that computers measurably improve learning among younger students. And the trend is likely to continue as companies receive tax breaks, marketing exposure and lucrative contracts stemming from these relationships.
Universities: A marriage of convenience
Technology alliances are proliferating in higher education, where companies sponsor research that advances their agendas, and concerns over conflicts of interest give way to pragmatism.
Public schools: Why Johnny can't blog
Even as teachers get pink slips, governments and companies throw money at classroom technology without clear evidence that computers are superior to traditional education methods.
Company towns: The cost of tax breaks
Regions regularly offer multimillion-dollar incentives to lure businesses, hoping that they will bring jobs and other benefits. But does this reliance drain resources from cash-strapped schools?
Click for PDF download index
Get the full three-day report now. (Free registration required.)
Editors: Mike Yamamoto, Desiree Everts
Copy editor: Scott Martin
Design: Pam Dore, Ellen Ng
Production: Meghan McDowell
Copy editor: Scott Martin
Design: Pam Dore, Ellen Ng
Production: Meghan McDowell
