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From: Mark Evans To: Edgehill e-mail service Cc: suse-linux-uk-schools@suse.com Subject: Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Typical uses of IT in schools Date: 19 December 2001 11:52

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<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.

You also quite commonly hear the phrase "These people have difficulty with Windows how can they possibly cope with Linux". The assumption here is that Windows is somehow the easiest system to use.

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Pupils who have no real fear of breaking the machine, and will therefore attempt most things withot concern.

In which case it's best to give them something either they can't break or anything they do "break" will affect only them.

Admittedly, but the point is that it is actually quite difficult for someone to do any *real* damage - the children are blisfully unaware of the possibility, and carry on blithely. Adults, terrified of the complex machine before them (present company excepted ;) know what _might_ happen, even if it is unlikely. Hence - children experiment (hopefully) with the software, and learn. Adults tend not to. - only a personal observation, I might add. Paul