Official department of education/department of communications policy is for more computers into primary and secondary schools: Minister Ryan has pledged a chunk of extra money for such a purpose. What a waste of money. Kids don't need computers in schools -- most already have them at home already. And even if they don't, how can computers in schools help educate a child? Maybe CAD skills or technical studies for junior cert or transition year are worth it. But for younger kids? Go back to the basics: reading, writing, language skills, maths. Leave the computing skills until they get sad and lonely later on in life.
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As an unofficial technical support person to my sister in her role as primary school head over 10-15 years, I'd have to agree, schools don't need more student PCs; what they need is more interactive boards, (and laptops for every teacher as a 2nd priority and then a micro-laptop per child (cheap like India's proposed R400/$10 school laptop!) a distant 3rd).
Once you've seen an interactive board in use in a classroom you'd be convinced; pupils love them, teachers love them, they're effective teaching aids and they're getting cheaper everyday.
Tom
Posted by: Tom Gleeson | July 30, 2008 at 01:18 PM
What's the principle behind them? How do they help kids?
Posted by: Adrian | July 30, 2008 at 01:57 PM