Thursday, 9 October 97

Some thoughts from Dave:

We'll soon be at the point of making this beginning step in "Technology at Harding" a reality - "A Computer In Each Classroom". I believe that "how the computers will be used" depends on the "expectancies of their use".

Personal vs Teaching

Most teachers will (rightfully so) assume a personal use of the computer for (what I call minimal use of the computer) for word processing (class handouts and tests) and for grading and record keeping (using Grade Machine or SASI). I would really like to see a Harding "expectancy computer level" considerably above that very shortly. I realize that the teachers will need to have some time to "experiment" and ask questions but they need to "grow" fast if these computers are to have any effect on the educational system at Harding.

• Communications (meaningful and expected email), BroadCast as more than a "toy", Web sites for an orderly presentation system, and List-Serve for meaningful discussions) should be encouraged and expected ASAP.
• Presentational directions (Clarisworks and Microsoft Works as starters with more elaborate systems later) can aid in bringing help into the classroom.) There are some educational techniques that are merely entertainment to "get though the class-hour". Technology can be expansive or just entertaining.

Training??

IMHO, a teacher should not need to be "trained" to use new techniques. A teacher is one with the desire to learn more and the skills to accomplish the learning steps. After all, that is what teaching is all about. Not just making presentations but leading people in "how to learn" because one has "learned how to learn".

• Sometimes "teaching" is distracted by having to be everything that society is not. An "educator" has to "baby-sit", provide "social training", stop people from hurting themselves and others because of a lack of societal "discipline", etc. at the same time that the "teacher" has to "help a student learn". Certainly an overwhelming task! It starts very early with the "sesame street" mentality that learning should be accomplished painlessly, with fun (entertainment), and little or no personal effort, directed by someone else. A student that does not internalize, take on the responsibility of learning (not being taught), and realize the greatest fun (enjoyment) is "success" not entertainment has really not learned but has merely "gone through the system".
• Teachers can be the same way. The systems used to accomplish the educational process are changing. Not just programed learning but "individualized" learning. Classrooms and "teacher focused" situations are probably not the "future".

Classes??

It is with some of the above philosophy, in which I sincerely believe, that I would suggest learning "how to use the computer" at Harding be accomplished in ways other than holding classes on computer topics (I don't know how many would attend classes or what could be accomplished in such). That is traditional. I think that Harding teachers can "have the desire" to "take some of their busy time" to "learn how to use their Macintosh". One cannot be taught anything that he/she doesn't want to learn. A person learns best "learning what we want to learn when we need to learn it". A teacher needs to inspire a student but a teacher should also be a good "self-starter".

Learning??

It is hoped that leadership teams will set some standards of computer use by using the computer for something meaningful and provide situations for "our faculty and students" "to learn" (not be taught). Personally, I have never taken a computer class in my life but consider myself "knowledgeable" in using computers for my personal use. I am not a computer-only person. IMHO, a computer must serve a purpose in the process of "real life" of the person using it.

I'd like to offer the challenge to the "Harding teachers" to take the initiative in their own learning. Much can be learn by:

1. Getting a manual (not having someone place it in your hands) - A Manual has been provided for each new computer. Clariswork and Microsoft Works manuals will shortly be available in the Library,
2. Reading (reading is probably the most important life-enhancing skill learned),
3. Assimilating and applying to one's own situation through study (the beginning step of a good teacher),
4. Gaining a topical perspective and translating this into the ability to direct learning for others (the heart and soul of good teaching).

I am a strong believer in learning to use something but using it ("hands-on" it's called). The best computer learning will be accomplished "at the computer", possibly with some reference manual at your side.

Start with the Macintosh Tutorial available on your computer. It will take some time but is a "wonderful" help in learning to use your Macintosh.

Each well written Macintosh application has "HELP" built-in. Use the Help menu at the top of the screen.

I am constantly evolving a web site for computer help for Harding people. This can be a positve place to look for HELP also. The web site I have called Macintosh Ideas has an icon right on your desktop. Just double-click the Icon Mac.Ideas and the web site will be made available to you.

• http://www.pclink.com/dthomas/macintosh.ideas/index.html
• harding.html

Challenges and Questions:

Peace!

Dave Thomas
(Comments Welcome!!)

The location of this page is thoughts.html