Z_M_Davis comments on The Great Brain is Located Externally - Less Wrong

25 Post author: Alicorn 25 June 2009 10:29PM

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Comment author: JGWeissman 25 June 2009 11:38:05PM 7 points [-]

Unlike Janet D. Stemwedel (author of the blog you cite), I find that using Google Maps increases my knowledge of local geography. When I map directions, I tend to pay attention to the route as displayed on the map, make note of cross streets near where I am going to have to turn, and sometimes play with alternate routes.

Comment author: Z_M_Davis 26 June 2009 02:00:33AM *  4 points [-]

Sure, it's almost a cliché: it's not the tools, it's how you use them. Unlike you, I mostly just copy down the directions by rote (which leaves me in a world of trouble when I miss a turn). I would guess that there's a similar effect of technology on public understanding of mathematics: calculators and computers open up whole new worlds to people who like math (algorithms!---the Mandelbrot set!---&c.), but just serve as a crutch to others.