After having read the Seattle Times article in Sunday's paper - Doug's e-mail turns out to be very appropriate. I have been working with computers, both as a user and implementor of large PC based ERP systems for years. The company I work for deploys internet enabled systems. I preach the value of technology as tools to enable companies and individuals to implement business strategy.

The article in Sunday's paper finally convinced me that the implementation of the laptop program at Lakeside is flawed. Technology has its place. Technology can not replace my daughter being able to put her feet up in a chair as she reads a book. It should not replace the human interaction required by observing a teacher act out a point, or draw squiggles on a board to solve a problem.

The value of computers is enormous. But to require them to be used in the matter that Lakeside proposes makes think of a room full of strangers, staring at their monitors with no consciousness as to what is going around them.

Lakeside should take a lesson from the large universities. My son attends UVA. They have the same requirement. With one difference. That all students have access to computers, the internet and the resources that come with them. But laptops are not the tools to take notes with, or read textbooks or participate in a classroom. They are secondary to the community.

Finally, this reminds me of going to a restaurant and watching a room full of people talking on their cell phones. Technology has its place. Mandatory laptops to be used in a wireless network certainly does not reinforce Lakeside's goal as a community. It seem to create greater isolation.

Bernie, I hope that this helps you understand a different perspective. John Pohl.