Preface

An old but popular Calvin and Hobbes comic strip focuses on an idea we find central to classroom technology use. In the strip, the little boy Calvin is talking to his dad. The conversation goes like this:

Calvin: If I had a computer, I’m sure I’d get better grades on my book reports.

Dad: You’d still have to read the book and tell the computer what you want to say, you know.

Calvin: Man, what’s all the fuss about computers? (Watterson, 1995)

Although this comic was published more than 20 years ago, the question that Calvin poses is one that language educators must still ask. We hope that this book shows in part what the fuss should be about.

► Reference

Watterson, B. (1995). Calvin and Hobbes tenth anniversary book. Kansas City, MO: Andrews & McMeel.