Content area
Full Text
James Dezell is president of EduQuest, a new Atlanta-based division of IBM that evolved from the corporation's Education Systems Group. EduQuest develops, markets and sells educational technology to schools nationwide. Contributing Editor JoAnne Donner spoke with Dezell about U.S. education and the role technology can play in improving the nation's schools.
When it comes to improving education, you have been quoted as saying, There's bean a lot of rhetoric and little action." What needs to happen to start the action?
Congress and state legislators are very responsive to their constituencies. If the voting public becomes convinced that education must become a priority, they will communicate that to those representatives who, in turn, will respond. In other words, it has to be a grass-roots movement. As a nation, we have to agree education is our No. 1 priority.
When you used to walk into a school, it was the nicest building in town. Today, if you walk into a school, chances are it's the most run-down. The nicest buildings are the new sports arenas and high-rise office buildings. We must realize education is the preparation of our young people for citizenship. It's the most important function of any society.
How is business doing in helping improve the lot of American education?
Business has taken a much stronger stand in the last two to three years. Business has to be part of the consensus that education is the nation's most important issue. We must produce students we can hire and put to work a productive employees. Business has to join forces with other groups in saying that investment in our human resources is the most important investment our country can make.
I am not convinced...