Powermac <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> said: > Computers dont teach you how to read , write, or do math.
Computers are used to teach children how to read, write, and do math. Is it the most effective method? I don't know. Drilling is an important part of learning your addition and multiplication tables, spelling and maybe basic reading skills. Computers are very good at presenting these repetitive exercises, so it probably works in this case. Computers can also demonstrate how things are done (eg. you know how to add 9 and 9, now here is how you carry the digit to add 19 and 9). Are computers just as good in this case? It probably depends upon the student. If the child understands what the computer is telling him/her, all should go well. If the student doesn't, well, it's like being stuck with a teacher who can only think of doing things one way. > calculators work the same way. Calculators are different because they do not drill the student, nor do they demonstrate how something is done. > All computers do is save time, lots of time. That depends upon the skill of the person and the problem. I seem to recall a Scott Adams novel which suggested that computers slowed people down, but they were more fun to use (ie. they present interesting problems) -- hence their popularity among geeks. ;-) > Why do kids even need a computer before high school anyway It is a valid question, and one that I wish would be asked more often. That being said, computers probably have a place at all levels of schooling. I would simply suggest that their use and numbers be considered more carefully. For example: if computers the success rate of using computers to teach reading is 10% higher than traditional methods, maybe only 10% of the students should have access to computers for this purpose (ie. the portion of the class which will learn from them). > Most kids have a computer at home where they will learn the basics of how it > works. But will they learn the right stuff. 10 or 20 years ago a computer would come with a BASIC interpreter and some sample programs, while many programming books were directed towards children. Even if Windows came with BASIC, I doubt that many people could find it. Even if the computer comes with another programming language or environment (like AppleScript), I doubt that most children are interesed in using it (it is too complex to program for GUIs and sending data between programs isn't fun). Schools can, and probably should, provide a diverse computing experience to any interested student (note, I am not saying that they should be taching it to every student). Byron. -- Apple2list is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... / Buy books, CDs, videos, and more from Amazon.com \ / <http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/lowendmac> \ Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> Apple2list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/apple2.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/apple2list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
