[nzlug] open source in NZ schools

[Cliff Pratt]

Michael Adams wrote:
> On Thu, 01 Feb 2007 09:18:29 +1300
> Cliff Pratt wrote:
> 
>> Vik Olliver wrote:
>>> On Wed, 2007-01-31 at 19:49 +1300, Cliff Pratt wrote:
>>>> They learn the concepts by using a specific application. You can't
>>>> teach the concepts except *by* using one application or another.
>>> You can't stop the parroting behaviour unless you use a variety of
>>> applications. Otherwise you end up with those people that Yuri met
>>> who get lost if the application icon is moved to the other side of
>>> the desktop.
>>>
>> You get two sorts of people, those who get lost when the icon is
>> moved, and those who move the icon. The first are best server learning
>> by rote the application that they will eventually use for real. The
>> others can use any application with more or less ease that does a
>> similar thing.
>>
>> It doesn't make sense to teach the first group a number of
>> applications - that will just confuse them. It doesn't matter which
>> application you use to teach the second group. Therefore it makes
>> sense to teach everyone how to use the application that the first
>> group will use for real.
>>
> 
> I actually disagree with this. You could teach six year olds on Office12
> if you like, but will it really prepare them Office15? How different
> will the UI be in 15 years when they hit the workforce?
> 
> It's not six year olds that have the tendency to fit into the first
> group you outline. It is adults, specifically of my generation that were
> taught by rote.
> 
> Kids at school are far more adaptable and it is definately a good
> grounding in general techniques that they want. OO.o, Abiword, or
> Office12?
> 
I believe that the two group are vertical (all ages) rather than 
horizontal (single ages)

Cheers,

Cliff