A school in this Google model derives its identity from its faculty and curriculum, or its "software" while de-emphasizing the importance of its infrastructure, such as its classroom, library and other campus facilities.Mark WeedmanThen I see this:
NYT - October 22, 2011 - MATT RICHTEL
A Silicon Valley School That Doesn’t Compute
LOS ALTOS, Calif. — The chief technology officer of eBay sends his children to a nine-classroom school here. So do employees of Silicon Valley giants like Google, Apple, Yahoo and Hewlett-Packard.
But the school’s chief teaching tools are anything but high-tech: pens and paper, knitting needles and, occasionally, mud. Not a computer to be found. No screens at all. They are not allowed in the classroom, and the school even frowns on their use at home.
Schools nationwide have rushed to supply their classrooms with computers, and many policy makers say it is foolish to do otherwise. But the contrarian point of view can be found at the epicenter of the tech economy, where some parents and educators have a message: computers and schools don’t mix.
This is the Waldorf School of the Peninsula, one of around 160 Waldorf schools in the country that subscribe to a teaching philosophy focused on physical activity and learning through creative, hands-on tasks. Those who endorse this approach say computers inhibit creative thinking, movement, human interaction and attention spans. NYT
My opinion currently is that online usae begins in middle school. The exception, I think, is a bi of keyboard training. I a not schooled on the effects of video games and kids.
1 comment:
When I worked at the AZ Dept. of Health Services (statistical analysis for epidemiology and Medicare fraud detection) a few years ago, I recall that the two most capable, skilled programmers had the following in common:
~ Neither used PCs home, not unless absolutely necessary
~ Both had strict "no games or computer use until middle school" rules for their children, other than bare minimum req'd for public school homework.
They were otherwise VERY different. Background: Serbia vs US; ex-military vs law school drop-out. Religion: Greek Orthodox vs aetheist. Demeanor: friendly, outgoing vs aloof, widely disliked. Age: mid-20's vs mid-40's.
I was surprised, somewhat puzzled. But not so much anymore, not after reading this article excerpt. Thank you.
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