Re: Save the Apple ][gs - CONTACT your local schools...

[rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND)]

John L. Graham  (John_L._Graham@adbbs.antioch.edu) writes ...

>>>
Our local grade school just got a boat load of new computers. Same old
story... lot's of slick new software (which will be old "look at what our
poor students are being forced to use" software in a few years) that I'm
not
quite sure what they're supposed to be learning from they weren't learning
already. ....  I have yet to see computers meaningfully integrated into an
educational program. ....
<<<


Jon O'Brien (jobrien@ais.net)  writes ...

>>
You're not alone- it's the same thing in my community (suburbs of
Chicago).  My former high school was just rated as one of the best high 
schools in the country and I don't know of any computer labs being used to
actually help a class except for the workstations running AutoCAD in 
the Applied Technology department. ....  I really hate 
watching good tax money being thrown out the window towards computer
equipment that doesn't actually serve a meaningful purpose. ....
<<

     We've been discussing the same issues at UH. It seems clear that
computers are over-rated as an in-classroom instructional aid for
traditional subject matter. A skilled teacher is vastly more valuable. A
major problem-- perhaps, _The_ major problem--  is that the teacher is not
allowed total control of discipline and consequences (including expulsion)
in his/her classroom.

     Computers are important in-room information and data processing
resources (e.g. accessing encyclopedia CD's, doing statistics, crunching
numbers, ...).  Some instruction in computer use for all students makes
sense.  Advanced Use of applications and Programming are valluable skills
which should be covered in non-core, elective curriculum.

     Having a computer in the classroom is very nice. However, unless the
subject is computer use (like Programming), it is not essential.

     We could make revolutionary improvements in student learning by
giving the Teacher control of discipline and making a few common-sense
curriculum shifts-- mainly: use phonics to teach reading and use drill to
teach basic arithmetic.

     The real 'traditional subjects' instructional power of the computer
is best realized in the home setting.
        

Rubywand