Jim Foerch <alrai@ix.netcom.com> replied:
> 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?
I disagree with Jim's statement. Personally I don't think that's what Vern
Sandberg was referring to when he wrote his statement about Teaching
Technology. The terms "Teaching Technology" and "Teaching Computers or
Computer Education" are being used interchangably more and more. There is a
distinct difference between Teaching TECHNOLOGY and Teaching COMPUTERS.
Technology incorporates computers along with several other areas and is
becoming a subject in its own right. That's what Vern meant (in my opinion).
My second disagreement is with Jim's statement <<Did our ancestors offer
their kids classes in "flint axmanship" where they didn't actually chop
anything?>>
I don't think the computer and the ax are a good comparision. Neither do I
think comparing the computer to a pencil as many educators who support
integration rather than literacy use.
I believe a more relevant analogy is a computer to a car. Everyone knows how
to drive a car, just like everyone will eventually have their own computer.
Learning how to drive a car IS taught as well as fixing a car. Wouldn't it
be nice if you could fix your own car? Well, realistically teaching how to
fix an automobile to everyone isn't going to happen. But everyone sure learns
how to drive own or use one.
With computers, I believe that there is a need for computer literacy
instruction. And if we as educators bypass that opportunity for the kids
now, we are limiting there own growth in a society that good or bad will be
controlled by computers and that type of technology.
I also have read a few educators (mostly true tech ed) make the claim that
soon computers will come and go just as other forms of technology have. Well,
that's probably true. But who is going to be that famous developer that
creates a new kind of technology? One of your students or mine?
Sincerely,
Jennifer Reed
JR270701@aol.com