I'd like to discuss the current theory of learning that you alude to that
would purport that students learn better/more in groups than individually.
I would agree that understanding is improved by the ability to share ideas
within a group, as I am doing with ya'll now. However, in many instances,
I would not want to share a computer with another individual. The few I
can think of at the moment are: e-mail correspondence, web-page
construction, multimedia project building, HyperCard programming. For me,
and students who are interested in having their hands occupied at the
"doing" stage of understanding, these contruction-oriented activities are
best suited individually. If the computers are networked, and they should
be to improve the quality of the educational experience, students can share
information. They also can walk around the room and see what each other is
doing, provide technical assistance, and gain and share ideas.
I believe computers can be used in two ways: as a means of instruction and
as a tool for construction. As a means of instruction, sharing could be an
appropriate means of increasing understanding. As a tool for construction
(of multimedia projects), I would opt for individual cpu's for each
student.
IMHO, it seems that sharing computers, having 2 to 3 students sit in front
of one cpu, is done to maximize budgetary concerns. I liken this to a
business sharing pencils, or computer terminals for that matter. It just
doesn't happen. I believe it happens in education for financial reasons
mostly.
I've never seen, and this doesn't mean that it doesn't happen, an adult
class taught where 2-3 students had to sit behind one cpu. Please share
info to the contrary if you know or have seen otherwise.
Brad Pearl
bpearl@airmail.net
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