Computers Revolutionize Classrooms in Unexpected Ways

An Arizona high school has announced its intent to begin a move to an all electronic curriculum. Students will not have ordinary textbooks but will instead be given wireless laptop computers.

The program's proponents stated that the new $2000-a-piece laptops will give students the edge in an increasingly digital world, allowing them unique opportunities to go head-to-head with friends in Unreal Tournament 2004.

"How are students going to learn in the oppressive book and paper school environment that we have today? These students need the important skills that the 21st century workplace demands, like being able to instant message friends and participate in cyber sex without getting caught by the boss."

But opponents of the plan are skeptical. "We're concerned about our children spending all their school time playing Unreal Tournament. Half-Life 2 is much better," said Jason Holbrook, a concerned parent. Mr. Holbrook is widely regarded among his co-workers as the finest Half-Life 2 player at Roland & Jacobs, a top Phoenix accounting firm.

Students explore exciting new avenues of learning with their laptop computers. Extra credit is given for visits to blogs sounding like "Foint Pive".

Parental concerns aside, students are strongly in the support of the plan, as George Peterson, a 11th grade student at Jefferson High, said as he hacked into the military simulation computer WOPR to play a game of Global Thermonuclear War from his sparkling new laptop. "I call him Joshua," Peterson said of his computer opponent. "And yes, I would like to play a game."

However, the laptops are not toys, said Jeff Gumman, the principal at the high school. "We expect the students to not slack off. Only essential tasks, such as hacking CollegeBoard, or checking the current time in Iceland, are allowed".

Officials are reassuring the state government that the cost for the project will be manageable, and not "completely and totally economically crippling." That reassurance was enough for the endorsement of the teacher's union, who didn't want their particular area of expertise infringed upon.

- The Evil Emperor Mindstation, P.Z.I.C.

Get The Real Story:
Linked on Outside The Beltway and Basil's