> Peter Kupfer wrote:
>
>
>>Granted there are some political reasons why using OOo is better, but to say
>>that OOo is only good word processor is the same as saying Word is the only
>>good word processor.
>
>
> I disagree with your implied assumption that only using OOo as a teaching tool
> means that you're teaching that OOo is the only good WP.
Fair enough.
> What you teach depends on the curriculum. If you teach general skills, > and promote general skills, then any word processor that meets > 'standard' criteria > will do just fine.
I guess I see it as difficult to teach general skills when you only show one way to do a problem. It's like in math or science. We generally show multiple ways to solve the same problem in the hope that students will devleop general skills. If you only teach with one program you are not necessarily "training" them, but there skills will only be as general as the program itself.
> This is part of what Ian is trying to do with the INGOTs. With the > INGOTs program, most people would still learn using MS Office, for the > time being. But the teaching would emphasize transferable concepts.
True, but even things like formmatting differ in many ways between OOo and Office. I just think it would be nice to teach in both programs so they can see the difference in UI and get a good feel for how to flexible.
> You see, this is the difference between "education" and "training". > Education teaches you principles, and it brings in understanding. And > with understanding comes flexibility and adaptability. Training simply > shows you how to use a product.
That is a great way to define the terms. <wink> But seriously, I totally agree. I think we would both agree the aim is to teach skills that can applicable to all software. I just think it would be beneficial to actually show how to transfer those skills between programs.
-- Peter Kupfer OOo user since 'OO4 http://peschtra.tripod.com/open_office/ooo_front.htm -- Peter Kupfer OOo user since 'OO4 http://peschtra.tripod.com/open_office/ooo_front.htm
