Okay, what's WinTel? never heard of it so apparently I've never used it. Or
maybe I've called it by some other name.
Dave Darnell wrote:
> Why does a kid need to use a computer to learn to read, write, and do basic
> math?
>
> Though I don't have current experience in the educational realm, I had
> assumed that because computer skills are now considered so important, we
> were using computers to teach them about computers. It makes sense to me,
> then, that we would want them to learn to use the most commonly encountered
> tools (WinTel), regardless of the fact that the lesser-used tools (Mac)
> might be better tools.
>
> Compare a resume with only MacIntosh experience to a resume with only WinTel
> experience.
>
> -dtd
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Jim Mc Coy [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> > Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2000 9:14 AM
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Re: OT - How to start a war in one easy posting
> >
> >
> > <<< I think they need to figure out how to reduce the amount
> > of training and computer savvy that teachers and students
> > must have. >>>
> >
> > This is the big question: Why does a kid need to know
> > Windows in order to learn to read, write and do basic math?
> > Will they really be able to learn state capitals better if
> > they read them on a geography web site instead of in a geogrpahy book?
> >
> > We are spending a lot of money on bad idea, with no clear
> > benefit to anyone except those selling services to the schools.
> >
> > Jim Mc Coy
> >
> >
> >
> > >
> > >From: Glenn Koster <[log in to unmask]>
> > >Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2000 10:04:34 -0500
> > >To: [log in to unmask]
> > >Subject: Re: [HP3000-L] OT - How to start a war in one easy posting
> > >
> > >Dave Darnell muses...
> > >
> > >
> > >> Can it not be said that a large part of the appeal of the
> > Apple line was
> > >> (is) that you don't have to learn much about computers to
> > use one? That
> > >> would imply that it is not the best tool to teach
> > computing skills, then?
> > >
> > >In my opinion, that is just what makes it ideal for
> > instructional purposes.
> > >I can see the argument for business courses using Windows
> > (and/or Linux) to
> > >teach students the skills that they will need out "in the
> > real world".
> > >However, I have a problem when in comes to teaching kids
> > computing skills
> > >just so they can use the computer to learn.
> > >
> > >< really, really off-topic >
> > >We have a major discussion going on in a major Kansas
> > district right now.
> > >The Hutchinson, Kansas, school board has decided to float a
> > $47M (yes,
> > >MILLION) proposal to the community for technology to
> > primarily be used in
> > >junior high and high school. A small percentage of that
> > money will be used
> > >for instructional technology for the elementary.
> > Fortunately, I don't live
> > >in the Hutchinson district so I don't have to wrestle with a
> > decision on it,
> > >but I get their paper so I have read both sides of the
> > issue. What bothers
> > >me about the whole proposal are the following...
> > >
> > >* $6.1M (that roughly 15%) will be allocated for staff
> > training - so they
> > >can figure out how to best use the new technology. They
> > don't have a clue
> > >yet as to the best way to use the equipment that is being
> > proposed. Talk
> > >about government on the wrong end of the stick...
> > >
> > >* The majority of the money (> $30M) will be used for "always-on"
> > >technology. In essence, a student will be issued a laptop
> > that will have a
> > >wireless connection to the district network (and the
> > internet) 100% of the
> > >time that they are in district buildings. A smaller school
> > district much
> > >closer to home is already using this technology this year -
> > and the biggest
> > >problem they are having with it is maintaining student
> > attention in the
> > >classroom during those parts that are geared toward lecture / class
> > >discussions. They implemented it with no way to prevent use at
> > >inappropriate times. I think before a school district
> > commits to this kind
> > >of money, they should have all of the potential ills &
> > abuses outlined - and
> > >resolved.
> > >
> > >< /really, really off-topic >
> > >
> > >Anyway, I think Apple originally had it right. For other platform
> > >(including Windows) to have a significant impact on
> > affecting true learning
> > >via technology, I think they need to figure out how to
> > reduce the amount of
> > >training and computer savvy that teachers and students must have.
> > >
> > >Glenn J. Koster, Sr.
> > >Quintessential School Systems
> > >Developers of QWEBS (qwebs.qss.com)
> > >QWEBS - The Next Generation : Coming soon to an HP e3000 near you!
> > >========================================
> > >The opinions expressed are solely my opinions and as such
> > are not to be
> > >construed as supported by or made on behalf of QSS, its
> > management, or its
> > >customer base.
> > >
> > >
> >
--
Larry Barnes
Director of I.T.
Mitek Corp.
602-438-4545 x1366
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Check Us Out !
http://www.mitekcorp.com
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