Where Does Teaching PC Apps Belong?
Submitted by Michael on Wed, 12/16/2009 - 11:26am
Where Does Teaching PC Apps Belong?
There continues to be ongoing debate, and it varies from state to state, about where and when our schools should teach basic computing application skills such as Microsoft Office or similar packages.
Here’s a short article from Education Week that talks about this issue in light of the recent decision in Texas to allow districts the option of teaching computer applications.
Comments
This is not difficult and I'm sure that it will be easy for people to deal with it.Inchirieri masini Bucuresti
I believe computer skills should be integrated into the core curriculum. Also, we should be teaching skills, not specific applications. The worst training focuses on specific apps (ex: MS Office) and uses step-by-step guides that guarantee no learning will take place. Instead, teach the fundamentals of word processors (toolbars, copy/paste, etc.) so the student can sit down in front of a similar application and be up to speed quickly without having to take a class. There are so many paradigms that carry over from one application to another that one should have no problem moving from MS Office to Open Office to {insert just about any office app here}.
I think that some of the basics can be integrated, immersed into current curriculum, but I also think that there is a place for computer science on its own. Some teachers can/will integrate basic logic and programming into their content area, but according to the stats, the US is falling behind in CS graduates. I would like to see the basics of CS taught in from the early grades up. If it can be successfully immersed into core curriculum, fine; but I have yet to see this done. Maybe as we get more 1:1 programs it can/will happen.
I also hear from content area teachers that they have neither the time nor the knowledge to teach the basic skills required. Unless this changes, it is still necessary to have a computer lab/course.
Well said Tony, I agree with you 100%!!!
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