I walked into a kindergarten class at Thibodaux elementary to photograph a story about the need for handwriting training in education. Ironically, as if on cue, all of the students had their laptops out, and were tapping away at an assignment that taught them basic computer interface skills, working with menus and buttons to do simple number exercises.

The handwriting lesson came shortly after, but this shot that I took represents the absolute despair that I feel when I see this going on in the classroom. I realize this activity only happens for a couple hours each day, but its a cold, static way of teaching that prevents doodling. Don’t children spend enough time in front of screens at home?

The teacher said proudly that they were able to afford computers for the students after an anonymous grant. Apparently these computers have been in use since August.  

I may be ill-informed, but I don’t think I’ve met too many children who don’t know to use a computer, navigate on the internet, and do basic tasks like check email. I’ve met a lot of children (and adults) who can barely write their name, much less fill out a job application or express their feelings in a thoughtful way.