Ch. 7: What may be lost and gained

This chapter discussed the pros and cons to the changes that are occuring in our education system today. Overall, I viewed this chapter as a quick review to what I have read in the previous chapters. I acknowledge all of the promising aspects that this change can bring us. For example, this change allows education to be more engaging and entice people to want to learn more, it promotes on the spot learning aka universal access, which I believe to be the biggest pro in this change, and it provides immediate gratification and feedback. One benefit from this change discussed in this chapter that I do not agree with is how it fully eliminates competition because children can't compare themselves to others. I can see how that would eliminate some competition; however, my personal opinion is that for many children that competitive nature can be motivate some to strive higher and succeed.
In regards to what can be lost, I agree that socialization becomes a huge factor. I have always felt that when children are sitting at home on their computers all day instead of moving around and socializing with friends it promotes poor social skills. The reason that this issue concerns me is because regardless of their job these chidlren will work in a field that involves them cooperating/working with others. This book stated that this can also lead to a reduction in the amount of friends, less socialzing with family members, lonliness, and depression. So, in my opinion, the cons that this change can bring, ecspecially this issue of less social interaction, is worrisome to me basically because once the change is made it will almost be irreversible.