16 Jun
2004
16 Jun
'04
11:06 a.m.
So,...
the DP department got a lab full of PCs, which solved the issue
of reliability.
The R.U.S.D. got a brand new computer for next to nothing.
I don't dispute you _can_ teach real computing using PCs, although IMHO
Acorn machines (which were designed for eduactional uses) are IMHO more
suitable (and of course a room of Beebs or Archs is just as reliable as a
room of PCs, I wasn't talking about having a multi-user mini).
However, I can assure you this is not what happens in the UK. Beebs were
used to teach computing (as in programming, interfacing (remember the
Beeb had a built in ADC and user port), etc). PCs are not.
And FWIW, according to the current UK educational standards I don't know
how to use a computer (!)...
-tony