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From: Matt Johnson <johnsonmlw@yahoo.com> To: SuSe <suse-linux-uk-schools@suse.com> Subject: Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Typical uses of IT in schools Date: 18 December 2001 22:36

--- Ian <ian.lynch2@ntlworld.com> wrote:

...

On Monday 17 December 2001 16:27, Jonathan Bacon wrote:

See above. Some might have a different point of view but in my experience children, even the youngest can use basic productivity tools with little modification. Mostly its the adults who transfer any prejudices they have to the children.

I couldn't agree more. We taught Excel to Reception classes in my last school - that's 5 year olds! It was incredibly successful. And yes, it IS the adults who transfer their prejudices (and worries). Of course a bit of preparation is needed. I have had a template file (read-only) on the desktop, and the children open it up and fill in the data that we've collected, then 'save as'.

-- Matt

AMEN. I have to say that I'm fed up with the attitude of "You've got to put this on the machines, they're too young to use XXXX" - and there they are, beavering away with XXXX, and getting good results too. Most of the 'this' is pretty naff content, too. Badly written and a security nightmare on any system, by default disregarding any of the limitations placed on system access, such as the /windows/ directory of the win95 workstations (why would ANYONE want to keep their work in their OS system directory? Why?) We use MSOffice - the only real concession we (I) make for ages 4 to 6 is larger buttons and a reduced toolset. <puts on asbestos lohng-johns> Unfortunately, many teachers of my acquaintance, have insufficient understanding &/or experience of computers to be confident with the software. Since it all seems complicated to them, then they believe that the system will be worse for the younger pupils. Pupils who have no real fear of breaking the machine, and will therefore attempt most things withot concern. Paul Paul P. Ellison ICT Manager Edhgehill College