----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Apple2list" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 7:00 PM Subject: Re: Destroyed computers
> > 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). 10 to 20 years ago you had to learn arcane methods just to grab data from disk drives or tapes. On todays computers you insert a cdrom and the program automatically launches, is this harder to do then insert a floppy into a C64 and type Load "*",8,1? Computers back in the 80's MADE you read the manuals to get them to do anything (basically read the manual and think about it), while todays GUIs make all the interfacing ransparent while the menuing system makes it easy to find and run installed programs (same with icons on the desktop). I think a large layer of getting the equipment to work has been hidden so people have an easier time starting out. All programming languages have a mostly complete manual online to browse when your lost, plus the commands are more like english then the older languages. -- 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
