Date:         Sun, 25 Feb 2001 12:30:58 -0500
Reply-To:     CS92-L List <CS92-L@LISTSERV.BROWN.EDU>
Sender:       CS92-L List <CS92-L@LISTSERV.BROWN.EDU>
From:         Mary Holt <Mary_Holt@BROWN.EDU>
Subject:      2/8/01 Discussion
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February 8, 2001 Discussion
The assigned reading was an article by Scheffler.

We started the discussion by looking at the issue of givenness.  Scheffler
claims that people think that just because there is some new technology, it
will be applicable in the classroom.  I asked people if they agreed with
this.  Some people did, some people did not.  We found that our experiences
varied, as some people did not come from schools that had a focus on
technology, while others came from schools where everyone got a computer.
   
I think it was really interesting to hear about how some people had a
lot of computers in their classroom, while others had none or very
low-level systems.  This certainly changes how each of us looks at the use
of technology in the classroom.
        
Under the "Educational Ends and Means" section, Scheffler talked about
computers being used in three capacities:  computer as vocational educator,
computer as a general knowledge subject that all students should be exposed
to, and computer as enhancement of the traditional curriculum.
        F
rom our discussion, it seemed that people really found value in using
computers to enhance education, not replace it.  Also, it seemed that most
agreed that there should be some level of basic knowledge that everyone has
about computers to allow them to function on a basic level in
society.  Technology changes so rapidly, and so any specific education to
teach students about a particular programming language or how a particular
thing works is going to be irrelevant quickly.
        
We also talked about what alternative methods might be employed to the
same end as a computer-based education?  I asked the class, as producers of
software, what criteria should we keep in mind to distinguish our program
from what can be done in class?
        
I also asked what the social costs are of using computers.  The 
discussion then became very focused on the nature of the internet and 
anonymity.  Do people say things they wouldn't normally say because they are
anonymous?  It seems like a lot of people do.  But people brought up the
point that a lot more communication takes place quickly and rapidly.  But
then there is what Ellen Ulman talked about in her book--that people crave
human contact, and sometimes you want a "real" experience because the
virtual world is somewhat disconcerting.
        
The discussion was great, and I'm sure we could have continued to talk,
but time was up.