The Antisocial Socialist

"I think that in many cases they're the path of immediate least-resistance, and they're meeting a need for low-level, risk-free stimulation."

I think you've hit the nail on the head with that.

I LOVE remotely controlling my students computers. I used to avoid teaching lessons in the computer lab because they'd get almost NOTHING out of the interactive math activities I'd find for them. Now that I can block their access to music programs, monitor what's on their screen, and send messages that pop up and say "Get back to work, Marcos", I love online assignments. Being Big Brother is awesome.