“Teachers and Machines: The Classroom uses of Technology Since the 1920’s”

In this book by Larry Cuban, efforts to implement technology into American classrooms during the 20th century are evaluated. Cuban notes innovative ideas were greatly applauded including movies, radio, TV, and many technology-based others. Cuban also states all attempts failed to make a difference in teaching and learning. Cuban then closely looks at these shortcomings and employs his own thoughts onto the most current and widely used piece of technology in the classroom, the computer.

Cuban states there is a paradox facing schools: “faithfulness amidst change,” He describes the classroom as "A crucible where conflicting cultural, community and organizational imperatives mix, creating the elements of the paradox”.

Cuban then emphasizes examples:

* socialize all children yet nurture each child’s creativity,
* teach the best that the past has to offer, but insure that each child has practical and marketable skills
* demand obedience of authority, but encourage children to question and think for them selves
* cultivate cooperation, but prepare children for competition.

Cuban states that teachers focus on transferring knowledge to students. He also states that the goal behind using technology in education is to maximize efficiency. Cuban also breaks down the different kinds of technology that have been used throughout different decades in order to accomplish the goal.

This book was very interesting. Cuban has very good insights into teaching and learning using technology. It is clear that teachers must accept the changes in technology and implement it into the classroom in order to create greater accessibility of curriculum to students.