Re: Teaching Technology Separately

Gary Ury (GARYURY@ACAD.NWMISSOURI.EDU)
Mon, 12 Aug 1996 11:13:12 EDT

Jim Foerch <alrai@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
> I agree with your pique. At a creative arts alternative high school
>here in Grand Rapids, Michigan we are taking one tiny step in the right
>direction by trying to eliminate "computer literacy" as a separate course
>and just help the kids learn to use computers for real tasks in their
>interdisciplinary art classes. Did our ancestors offer their kids classes
>in "flint axmanship" where they didn't actually chop anything?

What you say is true and I am sure your program has merit. One thing you can
bet the forefathers did do before ever going out to chop their first bit of
wood is to make sure the ax was sharp. It is impossible to expect all
instructors to stay up with all the current technology as it develops at laser
speeds. A true literacy course should teach the basics of wood chopping
through real world classroom applications as well as teach ax sharpening skills
and inspire someone to invent a chainsaw. I realize everything has its place,
but computer literacy is much more than understanding how to use a word
processor or any other specific application for that matter.

Gary Ury
Northwest Missouri State University
E-Mail: garyury@acad.nwmissouri.edu
HomePage: http://www.nwmissouri.edu/~garyury/garyury.html