Most high school students here in California carry cell telephones
equipped with camera, calculator, GPS and flashlight.
At present they are far more interested in these devices
and skilled in their use than in traditional computers
or traditional classroom activities.
If they can read, send simple messages and understand simple arithmetic,
by using their cell phones, they can function successfully in today's society.
Athletic endeavors, operating appropriate machines, driving cars,
getting along with others and feeling good about themselves
are also very important features of contemporary education
and schools, as they exist, are good places to learn and practice these skills.
Deeper learning, the sciences and humanities, of classical education,
while enriching to human society and individuals,
are perhaps not so necessary for all and could be
undertaken as desired only by such persons
who wish to follow such pursuits.
Deeper education could be understood as a lifelong process
not necessarily finished
in a specific four or five year make-or-break curriculum.
Unfortunately, cellphones transmit huge doses of radiation into the bodies of users
and will probably be the main cause of illness in the near future
as popular cigarette smoking was to an earlier generation..
...