In 2002, Maine became the first state to implement a statewide laptop program to some grade levels. Then-governor Angus King saw the program as a way to put the internet at the fingertips of more children, who would be able to immerse themselves in information.
By that fall, the Maine Learning Technology Initiative had distributed 17,000 Apple laptops to seventh graders across 243 middle schools. By 2016, those numbers had multiplied to 66,000 laptops and tablets distributed to Maine students.
King’s initial efforts have been mirrored across the country. In 2024, the U.S. spent more than $30 billion putting laptops and tablets in schools. But more than a quarter-century and numerous evolving models of technology later, psychologists and learning experts see a different outcome than the one King intended. Rather than empowering the generation with access to more knowledge, the technology had the opposite effect.
Hey, pardon me if I’m overstepping, but I’m going through the evaluation process with my mom right now and this could be an early sign of dementia (one that we initially dismissed). It could be nothing, but it might be a good idea to get her checked out if you have any other reason to be concerned.
Hey there! You’re not overstepping at all and in fact your concern is heartwarming, I sincerely appreciate it.
I’ve kinda had this concern before but…I don’t really see it…yet? Honestly, I think it really is just a result of “skill rust” from how computing has changed and normies moved their lives to their iPhones.
I also notice this trend with many people, but boomers especially, where if they aren’t already good at something, they just drop it and find the easiest most convenient solution, rather than risk learning something. =\
She basically stopped using a traditional PC like after the Win7 days pretty much, if that. The thing that really sucks is I try to encourage her to do more challenging things with her brain, like play adventure games and stuff like we used to, but after we lost my dad she basically just takes care of her house and her dog, exercises, and watches (a lot of “reality”, ugh) TV…
I signed her up for a library card too, because audiobooks are fun and brain stimulating, but I don’t think she’s bothered. This is a real sore spot with me. :(
So…I dunno. How the heck do you even bring this up? Is it something they could just screen for? It really couldn’t hurt, I suppose.
Because I’ve heard all the stories, and that stuff is no joke. It’s absolutely brutal. She’s living in another state right now, so it isn’t easy to just trot on over there. :(
Would love to know how you managed to get your mom to bother with any of it.
I hope everything is going okay with your mom. Lots of love and prayers for her! <3