I think they are terrible for kids in elementary and middle school.

I was never a math whiz but I can calculate percentages, decimals, simple square roots and most basic math functions mentally. None of my children have that ability. I am sure that is due to calculators. Maybe that is not important but it seems important to me.

There was an Outer Limits episode recently where in the future the Internet was transmitted directly into the human brain and books were being eliminated. When the system failed we were almost helpless.

I love my gadgets but education should be mental calisthenics.