Fwd: Study w/ Computers

[CBA...@aol.com]

---------------------
Forwarded message:
Subj: Re: Study w/ Computers
Date: 97-02-09 02:07:18 EST
From: CBAGANZ
To: bi...@max-net.com

Hello Kethera,
I have a six month old, but when he is of age, I would consider
homeschooling if I don't like the schools available in my area. I am a
certified teacher and have a Masters degree in "Technology in Education" (ie.
computers). I have always had mixed thoughts about the way technology affects
children. Computers, T.V., books, simple pictures even are "models" of
reality- they can be used to teach a child about some aspect of reality/life.

Reality itself, for your child and other children, is defined via the
experience it has interacting with the world via it's hands, nose, mouth etc.
(especially the mouth at this stage!). I would not trust a computer and it's
contents to teach my child to make an accurate model of reality.
As I teacher of computers, I spend a lot of time searching the ever-changing
"silicon potpourie", to find the useful information. There is So much more
info on the Internet than a few years ago, sometimes I feel like I'm panning
for gold! I maintain a record of useful sites, like one would a working
library for a class, and I stop there.
Conclusion, although I'm a "computer teacher" by trade, I would rate it's
usefulness to younger people as fairly low. It's just another tool for
learning, like playdough, plastic hammers, etc.. Best wishes for you and
your little daughter, they really are the best little creations in the world
-aren't they. :> C Baganz