The computer has had a profound impact on our society, yet educators continue to struggle with its influence both inside and outside the classroom. This article recounts pivotal events in the development of the modern computer and its role in education. These events are described not only in terms of their technical importance, but also as influencing our very conception of the “computer.” The author suggests that rather than solely focusing on networked, personal computers, the future of educational technology may lie in the use of specialized, economical computing devices built around open software solutions.
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