The limitations of call
In a recent book with the promising title The Cognitive Computer: On Language, Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Roger Schank, America’s leading
figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI),1 repeats once again the
hopes that have been voiced by part of the teaching community as a
consequence of the computer revolution:
The computer can enable us to carry out a revolution in education. . . .
How?
1 Computers are fun.
2 Computers can be programmed to teach far more thoroughly and
interactively than textbooks.
3 They can be individual - a child can have his [sic] own computer
teacher who keeps track of progress.
4 Computers can be used by almost anyone, no matter how hyperactive
or lazy.
5 Computers don’t get bored or frustrated with students or with teaching.
They won’t punish the student or single him out for contempt.
Computers can serve as excellent individualized teachers. (Schank
1984:204)
Now, setting aside the fact that the new computer revolution which AI
represents is still marching on rather experimental legs and has a lot of
ground to cover before robot teachers walk into the classroom, let us