Reviving the American Dream [microform] / Harriet B. Morrison

American society and its educators are faced with many challenges, particularly from the growing use of computers, which lead to the question of whether the American dream of a viable democracy with an equal chance for all can be revived. The individual, community, thought, and morality provide four standpoints from which to consider technological and other challenges to society and its educational system. Individuals require some technological expertise to be productive members of modern society, but they must also be able to function in a social context. Education can emphasize intergroup experiences and maintain a balance between technique and humanistic understandings. The use of computers and the concept of not being used by them or their anonymous programmers could be educational themes. Democratic societies depend on the schools to prepare reflective, critically thinking individuals. The informed teacher provides the avenue toward thoughtful reflection and interaction far better than any computer. At its deepest level, the problem of reviving the American dream is a moral one. Schools should provide education for justice. Ethics also play an important role in computer access and use. An 18-item bibliography is provided. (ESR)