Let me put some thoughts in order.
1) Tony pointed out a couple of weeks ago that the Web in its entirity is the
same size as a research library.
2) Some other research posted to Link showed that childrens' source of
navigational info was other children. In other words, half of the one-third of
kids that used the Web for "research" did so in a closed circle -- which seems
to me like a pretty ropy educational model.
3) Most of the technical skills learned now are likely to be obsolete before
children complete school.
4) Throughout Australia, it's easier to get computers than smaller classes.
Personal opinion only: computers-in-class, now given added impetus by the
Internet, is a snowjob of catchphrase management.
I know we venerate Barry O Jones for articulating information-rich versus
information-poor. However, doesn't it take as one of its assumptions that owning
a computer equates to better access to information? Is this something that can
be proven? Or is it just another example of the hubris of "people like us"? Is
the "digital divide" a fabrication?
Richard Chirgwin
____________________Reply Separator____________________
Subject: RE: [LINK] Across america, a troubling 'digital divide'
Author: stephen loosley <stephen@melbpc.org.au>
Date: 3/08/99 19:07
At 04:50 PM 3/08/99 +1000, Hrebeniuk Ellen wrote:
>I think we all know it's happening here too .. When you read about "wired"
>high schools, they're always either private schools or in affluent suburbs ..
And I must join Sandie here Ellen, your comments are incorrect. For instance,
every State school here has an ISDN Internet connection, (128Kbps), provided
by the Vic Government. Although yes, access is ISP filtered, it's still quite
usable.
Sorry Danny, but it's true. We found this filtering adds 1-2 sec or so
/url-request
for any machine on our 125-terminal State High School computer network, when
compared with our previously normal ISP access which I arranged four years ago.
In addition, and so far, a third of all State teachers have been provided with
new
notebook computers. I'm writing this with one right now. And all teachers here
will
have a new notebook within two years. The other States also have similiar
plans.
Cheers Ellen,
Stephen Loosley
www.stephen.hm