> -----Original Message----- > From: Dethe Elza [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 1:41 PM > To: Arthur > Cc: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [Edu-sig] Beyond CP4E Dethe asks -
> What are the best things we can imagine? As to computers and kids, generally .. An approach not unlike "zero-based budgeting". Let's start from the assumption that computers have nothing to do with the education of kids, tend to misdirect the energy and attention of kids, as well as the energies and resources of the educational system. If nothing else, it's cheaper to assume this, as a starting point. And resources are in fact scarce. And when presented, and only when presented, with specific, substantial and verifiable evidence to the effect there are fundamental learning goals that can be achieved by the interaction of children and data-processing machines that cannot be achieved by the interaction of children and human teachers, we begin to way costs, and consider options. Before that - and I think, for sure, we are before that - we talk and think about other things. As to Python and education: We declare Python mature. It is mature because it has been around a while and it is mature because it has been around a while because of its appeal to mature minds. We make no claims for it otherwise. We can find 14 year olds proficient in Pytbon and we can find 14 year olds proficient in C. We know we don't know what to make of that. And those of us who find ourselves productive in Python go out and be productive in Python in the way that Python helps make us be productive. And we share what we do. And we hope someone learns from what we may have done and shared. And if they are 14 years old, the better. Art _______________________________________________ Edu-sig mailing list [email protected] http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/edu-sig
